Council's new tax policy branded 'unacceptable' and 'harsh'

The area's Tenants and Residents Organisation (WDTRO) has penned an open letter to local councillors accusing the local authority of causing more financial strain on people who are already facing an 11.5 per cent hike in council tax.

We previously reported how the council sent out pamphlets in residents' latest bills last month, revealing adjustments to the recovery process.

In the leaflet, the council said: "From April 2025, there will be changes to the way you are notified if you miss a Council Tax payment.

"Taxpayers who miss a payment will receive one reminder notice offering a 21-day period to either make full payment or contact the council to discuss alternative options. No final notice will be issued.

"If no contact or full payment is received within that timeframe, the taxpayer will lose the right to pay in instalments, and an application will be made for a Summary Warrant to recover the full balance outstanding."

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The WDTRO has branded the statement as 'self-defeating' and says the wording has caused stress and worry for those who received it.

Their letter to local councillors reads: "We find the harsh wording of this leaflet unacceptable and self-defeating. As you know, tenants and residents are already suffering from financial strain from rising costs, including council tax going up by 11.5 per cent.

"With that in mind, it should be taken into consideration that such wording can cause stress, anxiety and anger and will not help recover council tax payments in any practical way.

"Council taxpayers deserve understanding and respect, considering the circumstances the community is now living."

West Dunbartonshire Council headquarters in Dumbarton. (Image: Gordon Terris) Replying to the WDTRO concerns, the local authority says the changed policy will give residents an additional week to sort out repayment options.

They say their aim is to allow residents to better manage their debt by allowing time for more 'realistic' repayment plans to be made.

A West Dunbartonshire Council spokesperson said: “Changes to the notifications about missed council tax payments will support residents by increasing the time they have to make a missed payment or contact the council to discuss additional help from 14 days to 21 days.

"This updated policy provides more time for individuals to come to realistic repayment agreements and be offered appropriate advice to manage debt better.”