CIVEA responds to government changes to council tax collection process following consultation

CIVEA responds to government changes to council tax collection process following consultation.

Russell Hamblin-Boone, Chief Executive of the Civil Enforcement Association (CIVEA), commented: “We recognise the difficulty for households falling behind on their council tax payments, but we are deeply concerned by the language being used in today’s discussion.

"Labelling the recovery process as ‘aggressive’ is not only inaccurate but counterproductive. It fuels unnecessary anxiety from the very people who need help and discourages them from engaging. When households don't communicate, they risk falling further into debt and missing out on the support our members provide, especially to the most vulnerable people.

“The reality is that enforcement agents are focused on resolution. For those who can’t pay, enforcement plays a critical role in identifying need. Last year alone, our agents referred over 350,000 vulnerable individuals, many previously unknown to councils, for additional support.

“At the same time, enforcement agents focus on achieving resolution with those who can pay, ensuring fairness across the system. Our recent survey found that the majority (64%) of the public believe there should be a mechanism to recover debt from households who can pay but choose not to.

“The inflammatory rhetoric also directly impacts the safety of our agents, who are already facing high levels of violence. With public profile comes great responsibility. We urge a shift towards more responsible dialogue that encourages engagement and protects both the public and those working to ensure our essential local services such as schools, libraries, adult and children’s care and road repairs are funded.”

Ends

For more information contact:

Paul Suart, PLMR (07824 606513) or email civea@plmr.co.uk

Notes to Editors:

• The Civil Enforcement Association (CIVEA) is the principal trade association representing civil enforcement agencies employing around 1500 certificated Enforcement Agents in England and Wales.

• CIVEA is partnered with the Enforcement Conduct Board (ECB), which provides independent oversight of the enforcement industry.

• CIVEA represents approximately 40 companies that make up more than 95% of the entire enforcement industry.

• CIVEA’s members work to enforce civil debt on behalf of local authorities and His Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) including unpaid council tax, criminal fines and unpaid penalty charge notices.
• High Court Enforcement Officers and certificated enforcement agents are eligible to be members of CIVEA. Authorised by the High Court, HCEOs can seize goods for debts over £600. Certificated enforcement agents are authorised by courts to collect debts like council tax, parking fines and commercial rent, often acting under a liability order.
• County court officers are court-employed agents who act on a warrant of control to seize and sell goods for County Court Judgments (CCJs).

• Enforcement is a significant sector in England and Wales. As reported by the ECB Insight Report (2026), The industry received almost 3.7 million cases for enforcement between 1 January – 30 June 2025, with a total debt value of £2.2 billion. Civil enforcement prevents losses to the public purse of an estimated £12 billion a year – a cost that taxpayers would otherwise bear.

• CIVEA members seek to secure payment from those who won’t pay, not those who can’t pay. The profession has strict safeguards in place to protect vulnerable people and to support those towards debt and welfare advice.