“I can breathe easier, knowing that I have the support I need”

At 32, *Maria was navigating the demands of single parenthood along with the challenges of being a newcomer to the UK, all while facing an uphill battle with council tax debt. A Hispanic single mother with limited English skills, Maria could only read and write basic Spanish—an obstacle that made understanding complex legal and financial systems even more daunting.
At a local community outreach event, Maria went from stall to stall, growing increasingly frustrated and anxious as she realised no one spoke Spanish and no one seemed able to help her. Finally, she arrived at the Law Centres’ stall, where Brian, an outreach worker, was able to communicate with her in Spanish, immediately easing her concerns.
“When I first received the letter from the council, I felt completely lost and scared. I didn’t know who to turn to for help, and the language barrier made everything so much harder,” she later shared.
Maria showed Brian a letter from the council—a bailiff notification demanding payment for her outstanding council tax debt. She explained that the council tax had always been too expensive, and every attempt to contact the council had only added to her stress since no one could understand her. The constant worry had left her feeling trapped and panicked.
“Meeting Brian at the outreach event changed everything for me. For the first time, someone understood my situation and spoke my language. I felt like I could finally express what I was going through.”
After reviewing her council tax bill, Brian noticed a critical issue: Maria was being charged as though two adults were living at her property. She clarified that it was just her and her child. After asking a few more questions, Brian discovered that her landlord had mistakenly informed the council that her guarantor was a resident. Although this person had only helped her secure the tenancy and never lived with her, the error had led to Maria paying the full council tax rate instead of receiving the Single Person Discount.
Recognising the urgency, Brian scheduled a follow-up appointment and explained how he would help her correct the council’s records and secure the discount she was eligible for. He wrote a detailed email to the council, outlining a timeline of events and attaching evidence, such as her tenancy agreement and a recent energy bill, to confirm that she was the sole adult resident.
Within a week, the council responded, acknowledging the error. They confirmed that her council tax bills had been issued incorrectly due to the mistaken information and immediately applied the Single Person Discount. They also refunded Maria over £1,838 for the overpayments she had made over the past year.
“Now that my bill is corrected, I can focus on what really matters—taking care of my child. I can breathe easier, knowing that I have the support I need and that my situation is finally resolved,” Maria said.
What began as a moment of panic for Maria—a single mother struggling to make ends meet—turned into a story of resolution and relief. With the right support, she was able to correct the mistake, gain the financial reprieve she needed, and regain her peace of mind. Her experience highlights the importance of accessible help for those facing barriers, whether linguistic, financial, or otherwise.
“This experience showed me how crucial it is to have people who can help those of us facing barriers. I hope others in my situation can find the same support and know they’re not alone.”
If you’re experiencing financial difficulties similar to Maria, we encourage you to get advice here. We are always here to help.
*Name has been changed