A new scheme to help promote fairer collection of council tax debts is to be launched by Citizens Advice in conjunction with the Local Government Association today.
Chief executive of the charity David Harker said the aim of the proposals is to ensure that individuals receive the best possible services during difficult economic conditions.
He remarked: "By setting down clear procedures and keeping them regularly under review, all parties can ensure that cases of arrears are dealt with quickly and realistically whilst complaints are handled efficiently."
Suggestions as part of the protocol include better allowances for people in financial difficulties, the publication of informative literature to address issues of arrears enforcement and changing council tax notices so that they provide clear debt advice contact details.
In recent news, Citizens Advice revealed that it had advised on 15% more council tax arrears cases in 2008/09 than in the previous year.
Citizens Advice to launch council tax initiative
