A protest will be held outside Lys Kernow/County Hall in Truro next month in a bid to stop Cornwall Council using private bailiffs to collect council tax debt. The demonstration on Tuesday, June 24 will take place before a meeting of the local authority’s corporate finance committee.

It has been organised by ACORN Falmouth and Penryn, a union formed by members of the community which tackles everything from housing issues to public transport concerns.

Group representatives said Cornwall Council referred 23,027 debts to bailiffs between 2022 and 2023. “Bailiff visits can be hugely upsetting and have a serious impact on people’s mental health – research by charities shows that 60 per cent of people visited by bailiffs suffer from anxiety,” they added.

“Despite slashing funding for essential services, Cornwall Council has recently hiked council tax rates by almost five per cent. The tax hike means that Cornwall Council will be sending private debt collectors Marston Holdings and Bristow & Sutor after even more people – and because the debt is sold off by Cornwall Council, the recovered money goes straight into the pockets of the bailiff companies.”

ACORN Falmouth and Penryn wants to hear about bad experiences with bailiffs “so we can tell Cornwall Council to give bully bailiffs the boot”. Its questionnaire can be found here; data will be used in its campaign against Cornwall Council, and it urges participants to leave a name or contact details wherever possible,

In response to our request for comment, a Cornwall Council spokesperson explained its use of bailiffs and how the council can help people in financial difficulty. “Our first step is always to work with householders who are facing genuine difficulties in meeting their commitments. This includes entering arrangements to allow people to pay off their arrears by instalments.

“However, unpaid council tax affects us all by impacting the council’s ability to provide the services our residents rely on. When a council tax bill is issued it provides information to the customer about when to pay and how much is due on each instalment.

“If a payment is not made by the due date, a reminder is sent. If payment is still not made, then a final notice is sent at which point the ability to pay by instalments is lost and the total amount outstanding becomes due. Should payment still not be made, a court summons is issued and the court will then grant a liability order.

“A case is only referred to the bailiff as a last resort and only after the liability order has been granted at the magistrates court and either the debt has still not been paid in full, the customer has not made contact with the council to make an arrangement to pay, or the customer has not adhered to an agreed payment plan.”

Those experiencing difficulties are encouraged to get in touch as soon as possible to discuss available options. Call 0300 1234 121 or visit the council website, where you can also find a support page: https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/people-and-communities/do-you-need-a-helping-hand/i-am-worried-about-money/