Mark Whitehead 05 November 2018

Threat of prison over unpaid council tax ends in Wales

People will no longer be sent to prison for failing to pay their council tax, the Welsh government has announced.

It said 'outdated and disproportionate' jail sentences will be scrapped in April.

Finance cecretary Mark Drakeford said he would consider new measures to deal with people refusing to pay.

At least 62 people were jailed in England and Wales in 2016-17 over the issue – a third of them from Wales.

From 1 April next year, Mr Drakeford said it will 'no longer be possible to start proceedings to commit an individual to prison for council tax debt.'

He said: 'The payment of council tax is vital to maintaining the local services which we all rely upon every day.

'However, it is also right that those who are less able to contribute are treated fairly and with dignity.

'The sanction of imprisonment is an outdated and disproportionate response to a civil debt issue.'

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Procurement & Contracts Officer - Epping Council

Essex County Council
Up to £21.0100 per hour
Procurement & Contracts Officer - Epping Forest District Council Epping, EssexFull-Time, Temporary - 37 Hours per Week 2-3 Month Contract £21.01 PAYE England, Essex
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Commercial and Operations Manager

Mansfield District Council
£12,098 - £13,756 per annum
This is a part-time opportunity, working alongside a part-time fellow manager of the same title. Mansfield, Nottinghamshire
Recuriter: Mansfield District Council

Plumber/Gas Fitter

Mansfield District Council
£32,373, per annum plus £484 tool allowance
We have an exciting opportunity to join our Housing Repairs Team Mansfield, Nottinghamshire
Recuriter: Mansfield District Council

Highway Asset Manager (Contracts)

Devon County Council
£58,310 per annum
Are you experienced in delivering large-scale infrastructure programmes that keep communities connected and safe? Devon
Recuriter: Devon County Council

Senior Care and Housing Support Officer

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
Band D, SCP 9 -17 (£27,254 - £31,022 per annum)
Are you enthusiastic about making a difference in the lives of older adults? Sandwell, West Midlands
Recuriter: Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
Linkedin Banner