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It said 'outdated and disproportionate' jail sentences will be scrapped in April.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'The sanction of imprisonment is an outdated and disproportionate response to a civil debt issue.'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

Senior/Principal Regeneration Officer

Fareham Borough Council
£45,465 - £55,379
Our town centre regeneration is moving from planning to delivery, and we're looking for someone who wants to help make regeneration happen. Fareham, Hampshire
Recuriter: Fareham Borough Council

Director of Adult Health and Social Care

Leeds City Council
up to £185,237
Drive Change. Shape Lives. Lead Boldly. Leeds, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Leeds City Council

SEND Caseworker

Nottingham City Council
£46,142 - £49,282
Are you passionate about making a difference to the lives of children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)? Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
Recuriter: Nottingham City Council

Head of Children and Young People Services

Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council
£89,565 - £98,298
We are looking for an inspiring and experienced leader who is passionate about improving outcomes for children, young people and their families Neath Port Talbot (Castell-nedd Port Talbot)
Recuriter: Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council

Supported Accommodation Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 7, £31,015 - £34,811 per annum
Be the Person Who Helps a Young Person Believe in Their Future. Every young person deserves someone who believes in them. Someone who listens when l Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner