News & Events 30 October 2026
Barnet Council signs Citizens Advice council tax protocol
The new pledge promises earlier intervention and clearer communication for residents falling behind on payments.
Barnet Council has signed the Citizens Advice Council Tax Protocol, strengthening its commitment to a fairer and more supportive approach to council tax collection.
The protocol aims to help residents who are struggling financially by ensuring early intervention, improved communication, and a greater focus on individual circumstances before debts escalate.
Simon Radford, Barnet Council’s cabinet member for financial sustainability, said: "Signing the Council Tax Protocol is an important milestone in our commitment to making sure residents who are struggling financially are treated fairly and can access support as early as possible.
"By working closely with Citizens Advice Barnet, Chipping Barnet Foodbank and our wider voluntary and community sector, we can help people get the advice they need and prevent financial difficulties from escalating."
The council developed a fairer and more supportive approach to Council Tax collection in partnership with Citizens Advice Barnet and Chipping Barnet Foodbank.
Louise Broadbent, Research and Campaigns Lead at Citizens Advice Barnet, said: "Signing the Council Tax Protocol is a public recognition of this progress and a declaration of our joint ongoing commitment to a supportive approach to Council Tax collection. We look forward to continuing to work together to build on the progress we have made and achieve an approach to Council Tax collection that supports all disadvantaged residents in Barnet."
The signing was held at Chipping Barnet Foodbank, acknowledging the vital role of voluntary and community organisations in supporting residents.
Bob Bevil, Advocacy and Campaign Lead at Chipping Barnet Foodbank, said: "Any initiative, like this commitment to the Council Tax Protocol, that helps alleviate the experience of poverty and enables residents to afford the essentials to live with dignity, is warmly welcomed."
Residents who are struggling to pay their Council Tax are encouraged to contact the council or seek independent advice from Citizens Advice Barnet.