Council tax debt in England skyrockets to a record £7.4bn as arrears grow by almost £1,500 every minute

Outstanding debt jumped by £782m in 2025/26 alone, according to analysis by the Centre for Social Justice. The think tank says confusing council letters lead struggling families to delay seeking help until their arrears spiral. It is urging ministers to act before the Budget. Meanwhile, the average Band D bill in England rose £111 in April to £2,392, a 4.9 per cent increase.

Worcestershire County Council raised its share by 8.98 per cent, and Trafford by 7.49 per cent.

More than half of those needing debt advice 'don't know who to trust for financial help'.

Close to half of households have no emergency savings at all, according to Lowell's Financial Vulnerability Index.