Local authorities in Tier 3 areas should not be required to enforce the collection of council tax debts, argues Citizens Advice.

The charity warned that millions of people are at risk of falling behind on vital bills due to a lack of national protections in areas with the highest level of coronavirus lockdown.

It is calling for a pause on the enforcement of council tax arrears in Tier 3 areas. It also wants councils to be given one-off funding to help support people behind on their council tax.

Dame Gillian Guy, chief executive of Citizens Advice, said: ‘Some regulators, like Ofgem, have been proactive in strengthening protections as we enter what is likely to be a hard winter for many. In other sectors, help for people living in the areas of strictest lockdown is confusing, inconsistent and, in some areas, inadequate.

’As more parts of the country move into the highest tier of coronavirus restrictions, a renewed package of protections and support is vital to keep people living there from falling into further debt.’