<p>Consumer finance expert says one missed monthly payment can trigger a large cash penalty within weeks</p><p>The consumer finance expert Martin Lewis has accused local authorities of acting like “the worst loan sharks” in what he says is their aggressive and intimidating pursuit of vulnerable residents who fall behind on council tax payments.</p><p>In a blistering attack, Lewis accused councils of using “grotesque” collection practices that can mean a single missed monthly payment escalates within weeks to large cash penalties, a court summons and bailiffs being sent to a person’s home.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/money/article/2024/sep/09/martin-lewis-authorities-handle-unpaid-council-tax-like-worst-loan-sharks">Continue reading...</a>