Council Tax: Bankruptcy

Dr. Cable
To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government which local authorities pursue council tax arrears using petitions for bankruptcy; and if she will make a statement.

John Healey
The information requested is not held centrally.

Dr. Cable
To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government if she will issue guidance to local authorities on the pursuance of council tax arrears using petitions for bankruptcy; and if she will make a statement.

John Healey
The Council Tax (Administration and Enforcement) Regulations 1992 (SI 1992/613) provide billing authorities with a range of powers to enforce payment of council tax from those who refuse to pay. It is up to each billing authority to consider how best to use these powers in the interests of all their taxpayers who do pay their bills. The Department has no plans to issue guidance on using petitions for bankruptcy.