Money guru Martin Lewis ‘a bit teary’ as main council tax change confirmed
Money Saving Expert founder Martin Lewis shared an emotional video after a major UK council tax debt collection reform was confirmed by the government
He was ‘a bit teary’(Image: inyourArea)
Martin Lewis confessed to feeling “a bit teary” after details of a significant council tax shake-up were announced. The money expert revealed how he had achieved success in his campaign against the Government for regulatory changes.
The issue centres on how local councils recover outstanding council tax debts. At present, when someone defaults on a payment, councils can compel them to settle the full year’s tax liability within three weeks, reports Birmingham Live.
Martin argues this harsh approach is unjust to families.
However, ministers have now declared they will alter the regulations so that local authorities must wait a minimum of 63 days before demanding the complete annual payment, Express reports.
There will additionally be a ceiling on administrative charges of £100. The Money Saving Expert founder and ITV host uploaded a video responding to the announcement, revealing he was “a bit teary”.
He wrote on X: “A year ago, I was moved to tears when govt agreed to consult on council tax debt collection.
“I’m reposting that video as today IT’S DONE. On the back of @mmhpi campaigning the govt said this morning it WILL change the rules.”
Martin continued: “Council tax debt collection is so aggressive it’d make banks blush. It’s the most vicious and damaging form of legal debt collection out there – causing counterproductive misery for millions.
“We’ve spent the last 18 months campaigning hard to change this hideous system, and having seen so much pain caused by it, I’m genuinely moved by this huge first step towards making things better. Currently, in England, if you miss a monthly payment, many councils, within usually 3 weeks, demand payment for the entire year.
“How people who can’t find a month’s money are expected to find a year’s I don’t know. Yet if they can’t pay, within just three more weeks, they are often taken to court, have ‘admin costs’ added, and soon see bailiffs sent in.
“No commercial firm would be allowed to do anything close – constituents are treated worse than customers.”
For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.
