Arrears soar amid cost of living pressures.
Council tax arrears owed to Milton Keynes Council now stand at £12.2 million, according to figures released today by the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government.
The shock total forms part of a national overall figure, which has now hit a whopping £6.6 billion.
Milton Keynes’ £12.2 million is a significant local figure, indicating the impact that continuing cost of living pressures have had in escalating arrears levels in the city.
Now, independent debt advice service National Debtline, is calling on anyone worried about their council tax bills to seek advice as soon as possible.
As council budgets have become more stretched, they are increasingly reliant on council tax revenue to fund essential services like social care, local schools and rubbish collections. But this has led to higher bills overall, creating an endless cycle for many people already struggling to pay.
A quarter of all people who call National Debtline for advice have council tax debt, averaging £1,958 per person, making it one of the top three most common debts advisers hear about.
Recent research from Money Advice Trust, the charity that runs National Debtline, also reveals that as of March 2025, 2.2 million people in England (5%) were behind on their council tax bill, suggesting that many more people could be struggling with council tax arrears who have not yet sought help.
“Unless changes are made at a policy level, arrears are likely to keep climbing,” said Steve Vaid, Chief Executive at Money Advice Trust.
“At National Debtline, we’re calling for improved collection practices, as well as greater investment in council tax support schemes, to prevent people falling behind in the first place.”
Current rules mean that households can become liable for their full annual council tax bill if they miss one payment, which often results in a quick escalation to bailiff action.
Last week, the Government set out proposals to extend this period, so that people have more time to engage and seek support – something National Debtline has welcomed, after years of campaigning for this change.
“Unwaveringly high arrears levels in Milton Keynes and across England underline the need for urgent action,” added Steve. “Every day at National Debtline, we see how council tax continues to be one of the most common debts people face.”
More details and advice: www.nationaldebtline.org.
