Some Bradford councillors sent council tax reminder letters

Bradford: Some councillors in Bradford got reminder letters for unpaid council tax. The letters were sent after they missed payments. This situation shows ongoing financial challenges in the area.

The Telegraph & Argus asked how many reminder letters were sent. They found that nine councillors owed money over the past three years. In 2024, four councillors had outstanding payments, the same number in 2023, and one in 2022.

In total, six reminders were sent in 2024. This is an increase from five in 2023 and two in 2022. The council did not name the councillors involved, citing privacy concerns.

A Bradford Council spokesperson said councillors are treated like any other resident. They receive reminders for late payments and follow the same processes. The reminders are not summonses or enforcement actions.

They emphasized the importance of paying council tax on time. Delayed payments affect services. The council works hard to recover funds and engages early in the collection process.

Support is available for those struggling with payments. Residents can call the council for help. The ongoing cost-of-living crisis has made this issue more pressing.

Recent figures show a significant council tax shortfall in Bradford. Over the last five years, households have not paid £35,744,736. In 2023-24, £16,544,148 was still outstanding.

The council has also granted many liability orders to recover unpaid taxes. In 2023-24, 32,452 orders were issued, allowing the council to take further action.

Bradford Council leader Susan Hinchcliffe has asked the Government to raise council tax above 4.99%. The Labour-led council expects a response in February.

This proposal has faced criticism from residents and political opponents. A protest organized by ‘Save Our City’ is planned outside City Hall on February 15.