DATA obtained via a Freedom of Information request indicates Torridge District Council passed 124 council tax debts on to bailiffs in 2025/26.

This is a reduction of 81 per cent compared to 2024/25.

The findings — compiled by National Debtline as part of its annual Stop the Knock campaign — come as total council tax arrears in Torridge were revealed by Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to now stand at £7-million. This forms part of a national total which has hit £7.4-billion, up from £6.6-billion in 2024/25.

With council tax being one of the top three most common debts National Debtline’s advisers hear about, alongside credit cards and energy bills, the free independent debt advice service, is calling on anyone in and around Torridge worried about their council tax bills or facing bailiff action to seek advice as soon as possible.

Currently a third (31 per cent) of people who contact National Debtline have council tax debt.

Edward Ware, spokesperson for National Debtline, said: “We understand that councils are under increasing financial budget constraints, and council tax is vital to funding the local services we all rely on, but collecting this money cannot come at the expense of its most financially vulnerable residents.

“We are pleased to see that Torridge District Council has reduced its bailiff use recently, but we would urge councillors to review whether there is more the council could do to support residents who are struggling to pay.

“With council tax now one of the most common debts we see we need councils to adopt fairer approaches to collection, not harsher enforcement. Exempting residents who receive Council Tax Support from bailiff action is a key way in which councils can help - and we would urge Torridge District Council to put this in place urgently.”