The MoneySavingExpert founder said he had been sceptical when he first raised concerns with Rayner, but thanked her after the Government launched a consultation and announced changes within 18 months.
The reforms, which are due to come into force next April, are intended to give people more time to pay council tax arrears, provide clearer warnings when payments are missed and offer greater support from councils.
Lewis said he had met Rayner to campaign against the rapid escalation of council tax debt to bailiffs, arguing that the system could be destructive for individuals, councils and the wider economy.
Posting on social media, he said: “When I met Angela Rayner to campaign for change to overly aggressive council tax debt collection, with its unprecedented rapid escalation to balliffs, she nodded like most politicians do.
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“I explained it was destructive for individuals, councils and the economy. She listened more then said she’d change it. I was sceptical. Yet a consultation was launched within weeks and delightfully the change announced within 18mths (its in place from next April) – bullet train pace for politics.
“I’ve a rule that if I campaign for a politician (of any party) to do something, and they do it, I say thank you. Its important to recognise it. So thank you so much Angela Rayner for listening and more importantly acting. The changes coming are a great start.”
When I met Angela Rayner to campaign for change to overly aggressive council tax debt collection, with its unprecedented rapid escalation to balliffs, she nodded like most politicians do. I explained it was destructive for individuals, councils and the economy. She listened more then said she’d change it. I was sceptical. Yet a consultation was launched within weeks and delightfully the change announced within 18mths (its in place from next April) – bullet train pace for politics. I’ve a rule that if I campaign for a politician (of any party) to do something, and they do it, I say thank you. Its important to recognise it. So thank you so much Angela Rayner for listening and more importantly acting. The changes coming are a great start.
— Martin Lewis (@MartinSLewis) October 13, 2026
Angela Rayner responds to Martin Lewis
Rayner also acknowledged the campaign, saying the Government was acting on its promise to make council tax fairer.
She said: “I promised we’d make council tax fairer, and I’m getting on with the job.
“Too many working people have seen council tax debt spiral before they had the chance to get help. That’s why we’re introducing more time to pay, clearer warnings if you miss a payment and more support from councils.
“Thanks to @MartinSLewis and @mmhpi for their tireless campaigning to make this change happen.”
I promised we’d make council tax fairer, and I’m getting on with the job. Too many working people have seen council tax debt spiral before they had the chance to get help. That’s why we’re introducing more time to pay, clearer warnings if you miss a payment and more support from councils. Thanks to @MartinSLewis and @mmhpi for their tireless campaigning to make this change happen. Here’s everything you need to know https://t.co/Xsf9bhvDIt
— Angela Rayner (@AngelaRayner) October 12, 2026
The announcement marks a development in the campaign over how councils pursue people who fall behind on council tax payments.
The changes are intended to give households more opportunity to address missed payments before debts escalate, although the details of how the new arrangements will operate will be important for people struggling with arrears.
Lewis described the changes as a “great start” after previously warning about the consequences of aggressive council tax debt collection.
