Norwich City Council referred 7,008 unpaid council taxes to bailiffs in 2025/26 - a 60pc jump from 4,376 the previous year.

The authority pursued more households than any other council in Norfolk and was owed £18.2m in unpaid council tax by the end of the last financial year - the highest of the county's councils.

West Norfolk Council was the only other authority to also increase its use of the method, with enforcement referrals increasing by 19pc, according to figures from Money Advice Trust.

Breckland reduced its use by 23pc, while North Norfolk District reduced by 45pc, South Norfolk by 18pc, Broadland District by 12pc and Great Yarmouth Borough was down by 3pc.

Norwich City Council and West Norfolk's increase has seen the overall number of referrals increase however, from 22,822 in 2024/25 to 25,527 in 2025/26.

Acorn protestors stand outside City Hall during a demonstration against the use of bailiffs (Image: Owen Sennitt)

City Hall, which has previously faced criticism over its use of bailiffs, has insisted the controversial method is a “last resort”.

While the hike took place under the previous Labour administration, questions have been asked........

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