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It said 'outdated and disproportionate' jail sentences will be scrapped in April.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'The sanction of imprisonment is an outdated and disproportionate response to a civil debt issue.'

Devolution and putting place first image

Devolution and putting place first

The real lesson of Andy Burnham's Makerfield success, argues Dr Jonathan Carr-West, is that place – not personality – is the key to Britain's future.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Head Teacher

Durham County Council
£67,898- £78,702
Permanent position- Full Time.   Required for 1 January 2027.  The Governors seek to appoint a committed, experienced and enthusiastic teacher with se Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Applications and Development Officer

Durham County Council
£28,142 to £31,022 p.a. Pay Award Pending
A vacancy has arisen within our Microsoft 365 Team, part of Applications and Development, for an enthusiastic, customer-focused and flexible Applicati Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Higher Level Teaching Assistant

Durham County Council
£30,024 - £33,699 (Pro Rata)
Fixed Term Contract until 31st August 2027 Full Time- Term Time plus 2 weeks Required to start 1st September 2026   The Governors seek to appoint an i Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Best Start Inclusion Practitioner (SEND)

Durham County Council
£28,142 - £31,022 Grade 6 (Pay Award Pending)
We are looking for enthusiastic and committed practitioners to join our new Best Start Inclusion Team, supporting children aged 0–5 years with emergin Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Administrative Assistant

Durham County Council
£24,796 - £25,185 (Pro Rata)
Temporary post for one year from start. Required to start as soon as possible.   The Woodlands are seeking to recruit an Administrative Assistant who Ferryhill
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner