Consumer champion Martin Lewis has criticized aggressive council tax collection practices, comparing them to loan sharks and stating that they disproportionately harm individuals with mental health issues. The Money and Mental Health Policy Institute found that missed payments can quickly escalate into unmanageable debt, with some individuals resorting to high-interest credit cards to pay. The charity is calling for reforms to make council tax collection fairer and less punitive, urging local authorities to provide more support and guidance to those in arrears.
Full Article