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It said 'outdated and disproportionate' jail sentences will be scrapped in April.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'The sanction of imprisonment is an outdated and disproportionate response to a civil debt issue.'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

Executive Director of Place and Customer

Essex County Council
up to £179,404 per annum
Shape the Future of Essex. Drive climate action. Deliver for our communities. Essex
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Director of Social Work and Social Care

Trafford Council
£100,731 to £104,625
You will join a values-driven senior leadership team, providing visible and responsive leadership. Manchester
Recuriter: Trafford Council

Financial Assessment Officer

Oxfordshire County Council
31537 - 34434
Work location
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Senior Voluntary Sector Grants and Project Officer

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
£43,545 - £52,767
Senior Voluntary Sector Grants and Proj... Wandsworth, London
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

Assistant Director Service Development

North Yorkshire Council
 £100,545 - £111,533 plus relocation support
Welcome, and thank you for your interest in learning more about North Yorkshire Council and this exciting role. Northallerton / hybrid
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council
Linkedin Banner