Acorn Haringey has presented a formal request to the council to cease employing private bailiffs for the collection of unpaid council tax. Campaigner Sian Bradley highlighted the disproportionate impact on poorer communities, noting that residents in less affluent wards are four times more likely to encounter bailiffs. Cllr Seema Chandwani shared her own traumatic experiences with bailiffs and advocated for a more empathetic approach, which includes enhanced communication and a council tax reduction scheme aimed at preventing financial distress. She acknowledged the necessity of balancing debt collection with providing vital services to vulnerable populations.
The poorest and most deprived areas are four times more likely to have a bailiff knocking than people in more affluent wards, highlighting inequality in debt collection.
Cllr Seema Chandwani emphasized the need for better communication and proactive measures to connect with vulnerable residents before resorting to bailiffs.
Collection
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