Council tax - a trivial debt?
Recently revealed plans from Government ministers to retrieve unpaid council tax via county court judgements and frozen bank accounts should only affect those who simply refuse to pay according to ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants).
With over £600 million of council tax going uncollected last year, the government have understandably decided to get stricter on defaulters. This change however should not have an adverse affect on those who cannot afford to make payments; only those who refuse.
Chas Roy-Chowdhury, Head of Taxation at ACCA says: “There is always help with council tax payments available for those who need it. Rather than boycotting payment in the futile hope that the charges will go away, try contacting your local council - they will be willing to listen, and may agree to let you make regular, more affordable payments.
“You should also make sure you are not paying too much council tax, firstly by checking that your property is in the right band. You may also be eligible for benefit under the Council Tax Benefit scheme, the Disability Reduction Scheme, or if you are the sole occupant of your property”.
There are many people over paying on council tax - for example the charity Help the Aged state on their website that “up to 2 million people over 60 could receive help with their Council Tax but don't claim”. Those with internet access can check their entitlement to Council Tax Benefit at www.entitledto.com.
Anyone having difficulty with council tax payments can get free advice and assistance from the Citizens Advice Bureau (www.citizensadvice.org.uk) or the National Debtline on Freephone 0808 808 4000).
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Notes to Editors
1. ACCA is the global body for professional accountants. We aim to offer business-relevant, first-choice qualifications to people of application, ability and ambition around the world who seek a rewarding career in accountancy, finance and management. We have 325,606 students and 122,426 members in 170 countries worldwide.
2. ACCA believes that globalisation of business requires one set of reporting standards. We favour principles-based, not rules-based standards, which is why we support the worldwide implementation of IFRS.
3. ACCA believes that tax systems should be transparent, simplified, fair and certain.
4. Complying with regulations affects SMEs disproportionately, which is why ACCA urges governments and standard setters to ‘think small first'’
For further information please contact:
For further comment about tax changes, please contact: Chas Roy-Chowdhury, ACCA Head of Taxation phone: +44 (0)20 7059 5976 / + 44(0)7710 707 516 e mail: chas.roy-chowdury@accaglobal.com
Andrew Swailes, ACCA Newsroom phone: +44 (0)20 7059 5759 e mail: andrew.swailes@accaglobal.com