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Bailiffs were brought in by local authorities to collect debts more than two million times in a year, a charity has said.

The report by the Money Advice Trust found that nearly six in 10 of the 2.14 million debts referred to enforcement agents in 2014/15 were for council tax, with more than 700,000 relating to parking.

It added the number of referrals had increased 14% from 1.8 million when similar research was carried out in 2014/15.

In the Stop the Knock report, chief executive Joanna Elson said: "It concerns us that for many people their local council is the organisation that will be the most aggressive in chasing them if they fall into financial difficulty.

"This will come as a surprise to many, but comes as no shock to those on the front line of debt advice who help people deal with these problems every day.

"We know that sending the bailiffs in can deepen debt problems, rather than solve them - and it can also have a severe impact on the wellbeing of people who are often already in a vulnerable situation."

Addressing local authorities, she said that bailiffs should "only be used as an absolutely last resort".

The figures were based on Freedom of Information requests to 375 local authorities in England and Wales, with the charity making recommendations including giving people "breathing space" to pay debts and providing "affordable and sustainable repayment arrangements".

Why the bailiffs are sent

(Image: PA)

Responding to the Money Advice Trust’s report on councils using bailiffs, councillor Claire Kober, Chair of the Local Government Association’s Resources Board, said: “No council wants to ask people on the lowest incomes to pay more, but councils have a duty to their residents to collect taxes – these fund crucial services, such as caring for the elderly, protecting vulnerable children, keeping roads maintained and collecting bins.

"With councils facing a £5.8 billion funding shortfall by 2020, it’s essential that these funds are collected so these vital services can be protected."

She added that they would only be used as a last resort.

“As the report indicates, councils will take steps, where possible, to make sure that people in financial difficulty are supported, whether that’s through signposting to free debt advice, or through the joint Council Tax Protocol, which the LGA has developed alongside Citizens Advice to support those who are struggling.

“Before councils use bailiffs, which are only ever used as a last resort, people will have been encouraged to apply for monetary support and efforts will have been made to either attach the debt to a salary or arrange new payment plans.

“Anyone who is having trouble paying their council tax or bills should contact their local authority as soon as possible, for financial help and advice, and to discuss the options available.”

A Department for Communities and Local Government spokesman said: "We expect councils to show sympathy for people in genuine hardship and only use bailiffs as a last resort.

"However, every penny of council tax that is not collected means a higher bill for those law-abiding citizens who do pay on time.

"To support those facing financial difficulties we've given councils the powers to establish their own council tax support schemes to best meet their local need.

"We've also reduced council tax bills by 9.1% in real terms since 2010, and we expect lower bills in real terms in 2019/20."

What to do if the bailiffs come round

(Image: Daily Mirror / John Alevroyiannis)

Firstly, find out if they really are coming for you. It's not uncommon for bailiffs to mistakenly pursue you - we've got a whole guide about what to do if this happens to you here.

In some cases, they're after one of your relatives. Check out what this woman did when the debt collectors chased her dead father.

If the bailiffs ARE coming for you, remember - they are just people, doing a job. This woman spoke to them when they came round and found they were much more reasonable than she expected.

Know your rights. Unless you've avoided paying a criminal fine, income tax or stamp duty, they are not allowed to force their way in.

If you DO let them in, check their identity first. Also ask what company they work for, a telephone number and a breakdown of what you owe. You can find out more about checking their identity here.

Bailiffs are allowed to take some of your possessions if you can't pay, but only certain things. They're not allowed to take things you need for everyday living, like a fridge, or things that belong to another person. But you will have to prove these things don't belong to you.

A debt adviser will be able to help you more. But avoid the paid-for debt management companies - call a free helpline like the National Debtline on 0808 808 4000 or StepChange on 0800 138 1111.