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Written question asked by David Simmonds (Conservative) on Friday, 11 September 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 15 September 2026. It was answered by Jim McMahon (Labour) on Wednesday, 16 September 2026 on behalf of the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

Council Tax: Debt Collection

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to the oral statement by the Prime Minister of 1 September 2026, Official Report, whether she plans to revoke Regulation 45 of the Council Tax (Administration and Enforcement) Regulations 1992.

Answer

The Government has no plans to ban councils from using enforcement agents to recover unpaid council tax. Councils are expected to act sympathetically towards those in hardship and use enforcement powers proportionately, but it is right that they retain appropriate tools to recover debt where necessary.

The Government recognises concerns about enforcement agents’ actions when recovering council tax and is taking steps to strengthen the oversight of the enforcement sector. On 28 August 2026, the Minister for Courts and Legal Services announced that all private enforcement agents will be subject to independent oversight by the Enforcement Conduct Board. This will give people who are facing enforcement action and are struggling financially greater protection and access to an independent complaints’ procedure.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
29196
Session
2026-27
Related items
Direction of Government
Tuesday, 1 September 2026
Parliamentary proceedings
House of Commons
Subjects
Council tax Debt collection Enforcement Unpaid taxes
Legislation
Council Tax (Administration and Enforcement) Regulations 1992
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk