Martin Lewis Issues Council Tax Alert: ‘Act Urgently If You Get That Letter’
Money-saving guru Martin Lewis has issued a stark warning to thousands of UK households, stressing that council tax debt should be treated as the “priority debt” above all others for those facing financial difficulties.
Speaking on ITV’s Good Morning Britain, Lewis described council tax collection as “arguably the worst form of legal debt collection” in the UK, citing the speed with which cases can escalate to enforcement and bailiff action.
‘Do Not Ignore Council Tax Letters’ – Martin Lewis
“As much as it sticks to the craw to say this, your council tax debt is the priority debt,” Lewis warned. “That is the letter you do not ignore. You need to act – and act urgently.”
The Money Saving Expert founder urged anyone who cannot pay to immediately contact non-profit debt counselling agencies such as:
He cautioned that if bailiffs arrive, households should not allow them inside and ensure their belongings are secure:
“If bailiffs come to your door, do not let them in. Make sure your stuff is locked up. Talk to a debt adviser before it gets that far.”
Why Council Tax Debt Is Treated So Harshly
Council tax debt is classed as a priority debt because councils have significant enforcement powers. Once a liability order is obtained by a local authority, they can:
- Instruct bailiffs to seize goods
- Apply for wage deductions
- In extreme cases, apply for a prison sentence for non-payment
On X (formerly Twitter), Lewis described council tax collection as “a brutal process” and shared resources for households facing urgent debt pressure.
Lewis: ‘The Rules Are Wrong and Unjust’
While offering vital advice, Lewis was also critical of the current legal framework:
“There is no easy solution here… The rules are wrong. The rules are unjust. There is not enough protection for people, and it is damaging both to constituents and to councils.”
He reiterated the need for reform and called on local authorities to adopt more compassionate enforcement practices, especially as many families are already struggling amid rising living costs.
What To Do If You’re Behind on Council Tax
If you’re struggling with payments:
- Contact your local council immediately – explain your situation and ask to set up a payment plan.
- Seek free debt advice – from Citizens Advice, MoneyHelper or StepChange.
- Never ignore court summons or liability orders – act before enforcement begins.
- Understand your rights – bailiffs cannot force entry for council tax debt without a court order.
