Council tax arrears owed to the Isle of Wight Council now stand at £22.5million, according to figures released by the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government.
£22.5million is a significant local figure, indicating the impact that continuing cost-of-living pressures have had in escalating arrears levels on the Isle of Wight. It is known that in the 2024/25 financial year, a total of £6.9million was uncollected by the Council.
This forms part of a national total, which has now hit £6.6billion.
National Debtline, the free independent debt advice service, is calling on anyone worried about their council tax bills to seek advice as soon as possible.
As council budgets have become more stretched, they are increasingly reliant on council tax revenue to fund essential services like social care, local schools and rubbish collections. However, this has also led to higher bills overall, creating a vicious cycle for many people already struggling to pay.
Steve Vaid, Chief Executive at Money Advice Trust, the charity that runs National Debtline, says:
“Unless changes are made at a policy level, arrears are likely to keep climbing. At National Debtline, we’re calling for improved collection practices, as well as greater investment in council tax support schemes, to prevent people falling behind in the first place.”
National Debtline provides free, independent, expert advice. Contact National Debtline for free on 0808 808 4000 or via www.nationaldebtline.org.
People don’t pay it because they don’t have to!!!!
I remember reading a few years ago
that people who didn’t pay went to prison.
Maybe the rules have changed.
Maybe if the council tax wasnt so horrifically high,and the council didnt waste it on pay rises and hairbrained schemes,people might actually be able to afford it,in my case 1700 quid for a single man in a one bedroom house is an utter disgrace!
It is a disgrace.
I read recently that 25% of the charge is
towards Council employees extortionate pensions
wouldn’t surprise me!
Council tax is unfair, the poll tax was much fairer
you would not have had to pay so much.
£1,700 is shocking.
A family of 4 or more pay no different to a couple,
it’s scandalous.
For once you are thinking clearly EIE. The old poll tax was much fairer