Written question asked by Robert Neill (Conservative) on Tuesday, 29 January 2008, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 31 January 2008. It was answered by Bridget Prentice (Labour) on Tuesday, 5 February 2008 on behalf of the Ministry of Justice.

Enforcement Restriction Orders: Council Tax

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice whether his proposals for enforcement restriction orders will allow householders in financial difficulty to delay payment of council tax payments.

Answer: Council tax benefit is available to help those genuinely in need to meet their council tax commitments. A consultation paper 'Administration and Enforcement Restriction Orders: setting the parameters' (CP01/08) was issued on 16 January 2008.The consultation paper suggests that council tax should be specifically excluded from an enforcement restriction order. A final decision will be made when we have received and evaluated responses from the consultation.

Secondary information