Enforcement agents to collect unpaid council tax

Councillor Allen Brett

Two thousand households in the borough are being contacted by enforcement agents from this month onwards as Rochdale Council looks to recover unpaid council tax.

A change to the law has seen enforcement agents replace bailiffs and new ‘fixed fees’ being introduced.  

Residents will have to pay a £75 fee if the council pass an unpaid account to an enforcement agent to collect. If they do not make arrangements to pay and a visit from an enforcement agent becomes necessary, further fees will apply.

Councillor Allen Brett, Cabinet Member for Finance said: “Before moving accounts to enforcement agents we undertake careful checks and no enforcement action will be taken on vulnerable residents. Enforcement agents are also working to strict government legislation, checking for vulnerability before they proceed to collect.

“We are targeting residents who won’t pay rather than those who can’t. Like other authorities, we are working hard to collect outstanding debt to make sure we can continue to provide valuable front line services. We offer as much support as we can for people to ensure that it doesn’t get to the enforcement stage. It saves everyone time and money if people pay their bills on time, ideally by direct debit or if they let us know that they are unable to pay. If you are worried about your bill or would like some advice, contact us at the earliest opportunity.”