Blackburn with Darwen Council referred more than 3,701 debts to bailiffs in 2022-23, data has revealed.

There are now calls for improvements to be made to debt collection practices and Blackburn with Darwen residents are being urged to seek debt advice.

Newly released figures from National Debtline and the Centre for Social Justice have revealed that Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council referred 3,701 debts to bailiffs in 2022/23, a 54 per cent decrease from pre-pandemic levels in 2018/19.

Despite the vast improvement in figures compared to 2018/19, there are still calls for improvements to be made to the council’s debt collection practices.

Blackburn with Darwen's is the fourth highest figure in East Lancashire, topped by Hyndburn Council, which referred 5,012 debts to bailiffs and Rossendale Council which referred 4,193 debts to bailiffs, in the same period, while Pendle Council referred 4,141 debts to bailiffs.

Burnley Council referred 2,505 debts to bailiffs in 2022/23. Ribble Valley had the lowest figures, referring 677 debts to bailiffs.

Campaigners say that bailiff use across Lancashire remains too high, with action needed to improve collection practices so fewer debts are sent to bailiffs in the first place.

National Debtline, the free debt advice service run by charity the Money Advice Trust, claims it has written to the leader of councils urging the councils to commit to improving the way they collect council tax arrears and other debts.

Across England and Wales, 2.71 million debts were referred to bailiffs by councils during 2022/23 – broadly unchanged on pre-pandemic levels (2.65 million in 2018/19).

The findings form part of wider research into council tax debt and collection practices published by the Centre for Social Justice, which reveals that 1.3 million households fell behind on their council tax bill in 2022/23.

Bailiffs, known officially as enforcement agents, have the right to visit a property and can remove and sell goods to repay certain debts, including council tax arrears, parking penalty charge notices and other debts.

National Debtline is calling for national changes from the Government to help reduce and reform bailiff action, including through new ring-fenced funding for councils to provide 100 per cent Council Tax Support schemes for those on the lowest incomes.

Steve Vaid, chief executive of the Money Advice Trust, the charity that runs National Debtline, said: “Local authorities remain under significant financial pressure and council tax plays a crucial role in funding vital local services.

“Facing bailiff action, however, can be a distressing experience and risks pushing people already struggling into deeper financial difficulty. Bailiffs should only ever be used as a last resort.

“The fact the councils have decreased its use of bailiffs to collect debts is welcome, but there is still more to be done to improve debt collection practices for the benefit of both people in difficulty and councils. 

“We are calling on the new government to support councils by introducing ring-fenced funding to enable all local authorities to provide 100 percent council tax support to households on the lowest incomes.

“I would urge anyone struggling with their finances to get in touch with National Debtline as soon as possible. Our expert advisers provide free, impartial support and can help residents make a plan whatever their circumstances.”

All East Lancashire councils were approached for comment. Blackburn with Darwen Council declined to comment.

A spokesperson for Rossendale Council said: "The Council has a statutory duty to collect Council Tax, which helps fund essential services provided by Lancashire County Council, Rossendale Borough Council, Lancashire Police, and the Fire Service.

"While we have seen a decrease in referrals to enforcement agents, we are always looking for ways to improve and reduce the need for bailiff involvement even further.

"We welcome any reasonable suggestions that could help achieve this, though we must remain mindful of our responsibility to collect revenue in order to continue delivering these vital services.

"If you are struggling to pay your council tax, we urge you to contact us as early as possible.

"The most common reason cases are passed to enforcement agents is when customers fail to pay and do not respond to our attempts to reach them.

"Don’t wait for a bailiff to knock on your door—get in touch before the situation escalates.

"The council works closely with the Citizens Advice Bureau, which can offer assistance on a wide range of issues. Customers can access their support by phone or in person at the Rossendale customer service hub."

Howard Hamilton Smith, director of finance and property at Burnley Council said: "As a council we refer debts to bailiffs as a last resort, the reported figure of 2,505 represents a 53 per cent reduction since pre-pandemic levels in 2018/19.

"The council will always try to support customers in the first instance, by making sure that they are claiming the relevant discounts or council tax support that they are entitled to.

"We also set up payment plans and offer signposting to free debt advice as well as having a vulnerability policy."

National Debtline offers free, independent debt advice on 0808 808 4000 or at www.nationaldebtline.org.