Georgia Preece, Research Assistant, Money and Mental Health
Lifting the tax burden: Supporting people with mental health problems with council tax
11 November 2021
People with mental health problems have been hit particularly hard financially during the pandemic, with two in five suffering a drop in income, and three in ten cutting back on essentials such as food and heating to make ends last year. Common symptoms of mental health problems can also make it harder for people to understand communications about council tax, and to engage with local authorities.
These challenges have left people with poor mental health three timers more likely to have fallen behind on council tax payments during the pandemic.
In this policy note, we highlight the need for councils to step up efforts to help people with mental health problems avoid falling into council tax debt, especially ahead of a likely increase in bills next year. We also call on government to increase funding to local authorities, to help them provide improved financial support to residents struggling with council tax payments.