Council Tax Arrears 2026: Where in the UK They're Highest

If you live in Wales, council tax arrears in your area have nearly tripled in five years. The picture varies hugely across the UK — here is where arrears are highest in 2026, who is falling behind, and what to do if you are one of them.

The 2026 regional picture

Council tax arrears have grown right across Britain, but the rate of increase differs sharply between the nations:

• Wales: from around £59m in 2019–20 to over £160m now — an increase of roughly 170%.
• England: around £6.6 billion in arrears.
• Scotland: around £1.5 billion in arrears.

Two things drive the regional variation: differences in average bills and local incomes, and differences in how each nation administers council tax (Scotland and Wales operate under their own frameworks). But the direction of travel is the same everywhere — more households are falling behind, and the totals are climbing.

Who is falling behind on council tax

The strain is widespread and reaches well into working households. Data from StepChange indicates around 31% of their clients are behind on council tax, making it one of the most common debts people seek help with. A YouGov survey for StepChange found 41% of people earning under £35,000 were worried about meeting their payments — a reminder that council tax pressure is not limited to those on the lowest incomes.

Why council tax debt escalates quickly

Council tax is a priority debt, and the collection process can move faster than people expect. Miss instalments and you can lose the right to pay monthly, at which point the council can pursue the full annual balance, apply for a liability order, and ultimately involve enforcement agents. (Reforms confirmed for England in 2026 will give more breathing space before that happens — but the priority status remains.) That is why council tax arrears should usually be tackled ahead of non-priority debts like credit cards.

What to do if you are behind — wherever you live

The rules differ across England, Wales and Scotland, but the first steps are the same everywhere: contact your council early, ask about spreading payments and any reductions or discounts you may be entitled to, and get free, independent advice before committing to anything. If council tax is part of a broader debt picture, a regulated adviser can explain how it fits alongside formal options such as a Debt Management Plan, Debt Relief Order or IVA.