Laura Sharman 28 August 2018

Councils sending bailiffs to 200 firms every day over unpaid business rates

Councils are sending bailiffs to more than 200 businesses every day due to unpaid rates, a new investigation has revealed.

A freedom of information request by Altus Group found that during 2017/18, over 81,000 business premises were referred to bailiffs by local councils due to non-payment of rates.

The investigation found that nearly one in every 15 commercial property with a bill faced having their goods seized by bailiffs, up from 6% the year before.

'Councils are taking enforcement action much earlier since their finances became more aligned to business rates income,' said Robert Hayton, head of UK business rates at Altus Group.

'This sometimes leads to companies with manifestly incorrect demands receiving summonses and facing enforcement action. The problem is also exacerbated by understaffing within some councils and the inordinate delays that this creates in dealing with ratepayers.'

According to the findings Birmingham City Council referred the most premises to bailiffs at 3,864, although this is down from 4,414 in 2016/17. This was followed by Manchester City Council who referred 2,667 business premises to bailiffs, up 38% from 1,932 in 2016/17.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Head of Biodiversity and Climate Resilience

Cherwell District Council
£68,930 - £73,320.50
This is a high-impact leadership role focused on delivering Cherwell's Climate Action Plan Oxfordshire
Recuriter: Cherwell District Council

Executive Director of Neighbourhood Services

Cherwell District Council
£113,435.50 - £125,379 / Grade
This is more than a leadership role - it's an opportunity to leave a lasting legacy Oxfordshire
Recuriter: Cherwell District Council

Head of Chief Executive's Office

Cherwell District Council
£68,930 - £73,320.50 / Grade M
This is a pivotal leadership position at the heart of the Council Oxfordshire
Recuriter: Cherwell District Council

Short Breaks Community Officer

North East Lincolnshire Council
£28,142 FTE
This is a varied role where no two days will be the same. North East Lincolnshire
Recuriter: North East Lincolnshire Council

Casual Cleaning Assistant

Durham County Council
Grade 1 £24,796 Pro rata to hours worked £12.85 per hour
Are you looking for work that fits around your schedule and lifestyle? Casual Cleaning Assistants required post based at the Empire Theatre, Consett. Consett
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner