Martin Lewis issued a plea with ITV viewers as he begged them to be careful with their council tax payments. The Good Morning Britain host, 52, returned to screens with another episode of The Martin Lewis Monday Show, giving viewers guidance on all things council tax. During the programme, Martin revealed the impact council tax debt collection has on many people, especially those with mental health issues, branding it the most "pernicious" type of debt collection He added: "It escalates faster than any form of commercial debt and it causes many people problems.
But it exacerbates even worse for people who have mental health problems." In an urgent plea to viewers, Martin said: "Be very careful not to miss a payment." The presenter then showed a video of Sharon, a grandmother of two who has struggled with mental health issues for the duration of her life.
In 2022, Sharon's world was turned upside down when her independence payment was reduced. Sharon explained how she contacted the council in November, telling them she was unable to make the following month's payment. The council responded by saying there was nothing they could do because she was not in arrears.
The busy postal season meant Sharon received a letter on Christmas Eve, telling her that she needed to pay the monthly fee by Christmas Day, otherwise she would need to pay the annual amount. Learning that a bailiff could arrive at her home, Sharon revealed she "instantly spiralled". She managed to get a credit card to.
