Should HMRC be allowed to take unpaid tax directly from people’s bank accounts without a court order?
HMRC can already require banks to pay tax debts directly from accounts without a court order. This is the Direct Recovery of Debts power, introduced in 2015 and restarted in 2025. It applies to established debts of £1,000 or more, after repeated contact and a face-to-face visit. At least £5,000 must be left across the person's accounts, and they have 30 days to object, with a county court appeal on grounds including hardship. Reports on 24 October 2026 say the Budget will widen this to smaller debts, aiming to recover about £4bn owed by 4.8 million people and businesses. Critics warn of errors and hardship, and the government says there will be rigorous protections.
4 Opinions
As long as suitable checks and balances are in place, with suitable independent oversight and scrutiny, then HMRC should be able to cost effectively and rapidly recover unpaid taxes from those who choose not to pay.
So the taxman becomes judge, jury and executioner. Sickening state overreach... Also... if there's one institution in the UK known for flawless administrative accuracy, zero glitches, and world-class customer service, it’s HMRC... right? ....RIGHT??? Absolutely zero surprise the state wants to skip that pesky, annoying thing called 'the law' and just help themselves directly to your bank account... Sanctioned highway robbery.
No… but the court process should be made quicker, easier and cheaper.
What a scary thought.