1 week Ago By Jennie Buzaglo
Martin Lewis issued a plea with ITV viewers as he begged them to be careful with their council tax payments. The Good Morning Britain host, 52, returned to screens with another episode of The Martin Lewis Monday Show, giving viewers guidance on all things council tax. During the programme, Martin revealed the impact council tax debt collection has on many people, especially those with mental health issues, branding it the most "pernicious" type of debt collection He added: "It escalates faster than any form of commercial debt and it causes many people problems.
But it exacerbates even worse for people who have mental health problems." In an urgent plea to viewers, Martin said: "Be very careful not to miss a payment." The presenter then showed a video of Sharon, a grandmother of two who has struggled with mental health issues for the duration of her life.
In 2022, Sharon's world was turned upside down when her independence payment was reduced. Sharon explained how she contacted the council in November, telling them she was unable to make the following month's payment. The council responded by saying there was nothing they could do because she was not in arrears.
The busy postal season meant Sharon received a letter on Christmas Eve, telling her that she needed to pay the monthly fee by Christmas Day, otherwise she would need to pay the annual amount. Learning that a bailiff could arrive at her home, Sharon revealed she "instantly spiralled". She managed to get a credit card to cover the payment, however, this only caused her more problems.
Sharon eventually turned to a non-profit debt counselling agency and things started to improve. Sharon revealed that her council tax is the first thing she pays, and she will even go without food to ensure that it is paid. Back in the studio, Martin fumed: "I would like to know what makes councils think someone who can not make their monthly payment can afford to pay for the entire year.
"How does that help someone's finances? It is counterproductive, it is destructive if you do not have mental health problems and it doesn't mean councils will get their money back in the way they should." He continued: "They are destroying people's long-term financial lives by this aggressive form of debt collection. It is bad for the individual, it is bad for the council debt collecting.
It's bad for the economy, it's bad for the NHS." Martin revealed that if someone misses a monthly payment on their council tax, they could be sent a court summons for the entire year's payment after just four weeks. He also shared how a bailiff could be sent to their house after six weeks of them missing the payment.
Viewers flocked to social media to share their own experiences, with one writing: "I’ve dealt with bailiffs and psychological tactical letters for the last 7/8 years. Nothing they can do. Don’t be scared.
Don’t be scared to say 'NO' Don’t refuse to pay it. But say you can’t afford to pay it. It’s just a vicious circle.
" Another penned: "I have had the Council Tax Bailiffs at my door about ten years ago. It was the most terrifying and shaming feeling. I felt alone, terrified and utterly inconsolable.
They ought to change the rules around this debt collection." A third added: "No joke, we had a court summons many years ago for £1. Yes you read that correctly ONE POUND STERLING.
We had to go to the court to pay it. It was on our record for a year. Why didn't they just write it off? - Annoying.
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