Martin Lewis: authorities handle unpaid council tax like ‘worst loan sharks’

‘Rapidly piling on payment demands, court threats, charges and bailiff action isn’t a fair or productive way to respond to someone missing a payment,’ Martin Lewis said. Photograph: Antonio Olmos/The Guardian

The consumer finance expert Martin Lewis has accused local authorities of acting like “the worst loan sharks” in what he says is their aggressive and intimidating pursuit of vulnerable residents who fall behind on council tax payments.

In a blistering attack, Lewis accused councils of using “grotesque” collection practices that can mean a single missed monthly payment escalates within weeks to large cash penalties, a court summons and bailiffs being sent to a person’s home.