Title

COUNCIL TAX

Counties warn against a blanket council tax deferral scheme

County councils have warned that a blanket council tax deferral scheme could create significant financial problems for local government.

County councils have warned that a blanket council tax deferral scheme could create significant financial problems for local government.

The warning comes after several councils announced residents could delay their first council tax payment until May or June.

However, the County Councils Network (CCN) warned that this could cause a serious cash flow problem for councils and impact on delivering frontline services.

Cllr David Williams, chairman of the CCN, said: ‘We recognise and understand the motivation behind these schemes to provide financial relief for households, and some arrangements can be considered on a case-by-case basis for the most vulnerable and those in the greatest need.

'However, a blanket deferral or non-payment scheme offered across the board could create significant additional financial challenges for local government, reducing cashflow for vital services such as social care which are at the frontline in responding to coronavirus.

Cllr Williams added that any deferral scheme should be agreed by both the district billing authority and the county council.

COUNCIL TAX

Inclusive leadership for a resilient tomorrow

By Dawn Faulkner | 04 September 2025

Dawn Faulkner says it’s time to celebrate the contributions of women in the public sector landscape and that the stories we tell will help shape the leaders ...

COUNCIL TAX

After the 'asylum hotels' injunction

By Victoria Searle | 02 September 2025

As the pressures facing local authorities in housing vulnerable people are brought to life in the ‘asylum hotel’ legal case in Epping Forest, Victoria Searle...

COUNCIL TAX

Embracing Reform

By Ann McGauran | 02 September 2025

Stephen Atkinson speaks to Ann McGauran ahead of Reform UK’s conference this week about the value of the Local Government Association, scrutinising council f...

COUNCIL TAX

September: The biggest month for local government in half a century

By Gavin Callaghan | 01 September 2025

September is the biggest month for local government in half a century, says leader of Basildon BC Gavin Callaghan - and the Government is acting so radicall...

Popular articles by Laura Sharman