Sent by email to Cllr Gill Williams, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Housing and New Homes.
Dear Gill,
I hope that you are well.
I’m writing regarding Acorn’s Boot the Bailiff campaign to ask that Brighton and Hove City Council commits to reviewing its bailiff contract and sets a goal of dramatically reducing its use of bailiffs to collect council tax arrears, and reviews its council tax policy to prevent more residents from running up debts they simply cannot afford.
Acorn can provide significant testimony from local residents about their experience of bailiff use and how this has caused additional distress and exacerbated vulnerabilities for people already experiencing hardship, rather than supporting them to find workable ways forward with arrears.
I’m aware that Citizens Advice previously collected evidence about the ineffectiveness of bailiff use in relation to Council Tax arrears, which further serves to highlight bailiff use is poor value for money. More humane and cooperative methods for negotiating with residents who have arrears is better for everyone and I strongly believe the council should consider it.
I’m very open to hearing from BHCC if you think that there are remaining barriers within national legislation which it would be helpful for me to raise with Ministers. However, I am aware of several local authorities which have already committed to amending their approach in response to the campaign, including Bristol and Hammersmith and Fulham.
In addition, in the council I previously sat on in Camden, I was successful in working with Child Poverty Action Group to persuade the council to reinstate a zero rate of council tax for those most in need in 2017, which led to a dramatic reduction in arrears for those who simply could not pay, and a large reduction in bailiff use. I am therefore also asking that the council looks at its overall council tax reduction scheme policy, and it would be positive news if Brighton and Hove City Council would commit to similar action in response to the work Acorn is doing.
If you are also able to confirm the date BHCC’s current bailiff contract ends in reply, it would also be helpful, as I am keen to have further information about the current position regarding dates and opportunities for this to be reviewed and amended.
Best wishes,
Siân