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It said 'outdated and disproportionate' jail sentences will be scrapped in April.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'The sanction of imprisonment is an outdated and disproportionate response to a civil debt issue.'

LocalGov Weekly Round Up image

LocalGov Weekly Round Up

A pivotal week for councils sees fresh devolution plans, new service pilots and key legal and political battles, writes LocalGov editor William Eichler.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Social Worker Fostering

Durham County Council
Grade 9 - £35,412 - £39,152 (pre-progression) / Grade 11 - £40,777 - £45,091 (post-progression)
Do you believe every child deserves to grow up surrounded by love, family, and a sense of belonging?   We’re on an exciting journey to expand our Conn Seaham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Social Worker

Durham County Council
£35,412 - £39,152 (pre-progression) / £40,777 - £45,091 (post-progression)
Do you want to support parents to achieve meaningful and sustainable change and help more children to remain safely within their birth families?   We Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Social Worker

Durham County Council
£35,412 - £39,152 (pre-progression) / £40,777 - £45,091 (post-progression)
Are you an experienced social worker who is passionate about working with vulnerable teenagers?   This is a fantastic opportunity to join our growing Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Deputy Manager

Durham County Council
Grade 11 £40,777 - £45,091
Deputy Manager – Children’s Homes Service Salary
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Enhanced Teaching Assistant

Durham County Council
£26,403- £ 28,598 pro rata
Enhanced Teaching Assistant – 20 hours term time plus specified days. Monday - Friday 8.30am – 12.30pm Grade 5, £26,403 pro rata. Required 2nd June 20 Peterlee
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner