A new report published today shows almost 300,000 vulnerable and low income households in Wales received a reduction in their council tax in 2016-17.
This was published under the 2016 to 2021 administration of the Welsh Government
The report, commissioned by the Welsh Government, brings together existing evidence, provides an insight into how local authorities currently manage the collection of arrears and explores the key issues from the local authority perspective.
In a statement today, the Cabinet Secretary said:
“Making council tax fairer is an essential part of our plans to reform local government in Wales.
“Although this is just one strand of research which brings out the perspective of local authorities, the report helps to build our understanding of current practices in respect of council tax collection and recovery methods used across Wales.
“I will be considering the report’s findings in full before considering what changes need to be made to ensure local authority practices are consistent, reasonable and proportionate in all cases.
“I want to work closely with local government to see how we can adopt more proactive approaches, focusing on people’s individual circumstances to help prevent debt occurring and escalating.
“We know many of these households are struggling to cope with the effects of the UK government’s welfare reforms and I remain committed to ensuring action is taken to mitigate the consequences for those affected.”