I’ve joined a cross-party group of MPs and ACORN the Union to call for urgent reform of how council tax debt is collected.

Right now, too many people who fall behind on payments are met with bailiffs and court orders. This pushes struggling families into debt and distress. It’s unfair and ineffective.

We’re calling for a fairer, more compassionate approach. That includes giving residents the maximum time possible to get back on their feet, capping excessive fees, and ending the use of bailiffs and imprisonment for council tax debt.

No one should be punished for struggling in a cost of living crisis. A system based on early support rather than heavy-handed enforcement would be better for residents and for councils.