Date: 01/04/2019   |   Category - Finance and Resources, News, Welfare Reform

WLGA has today welcomed a series of measures introduced by Welsh Government designed to create a fairer and more equitable council tax system, following extensive engagement with WLGA, local authorities and MoneySavingExpert.com.

New measures being introduced today (Monday 1 April) by Welsh Government include:

• Removing the sanction of imprisonment for non-payment of council tax
• A consistent approach across all local authorities to applications for discounts and exemptions for people with a ‘severe mental impairment’
• The adoption of the Council Tax Protocol for Wales – Good practice in collection of council tax, which outlines the commitment of the WLGA, local authorities and Welsh Government to take a more consistent and resident-focused approach to debt, arrears and enforcement

Council Tax raises over £1.3bn a year for vital public services and it is important that balance is struck between maximising the collection and being as fair as possible, especially with the most vulnerable in our society.

Councillor Mary Sherwood (Swansea), WLGA Spokesperson for Equalities, Welfare Reform and Anti-Poverty said:

“The Council Tax Protocol for Wales is a step-change in our approach to debt & arrears will focus on early engagement with tax payers.  It also promotes closer working relationships with our partners in the advice sector and enforcement agents to ensure that problem don’t needlessly spiral out of control for vulnerable people

“We look forward to building upon these measures with Welsh Government.”

The Council Tax Protocol for Wales is available online at www.wlga.wales/welfare-reform.