Full Breakdown
Stranded in Cyprus: Marie Collins Faces Court Over Unpaid Council Tax Amid Pension Dispute
3/24/2026, 10:55:18 AM
Core Event: Pension Payments Halted and Council Tax Dispute
Marie Collins, an 84-year-old woman from Narborough, Norfolk, is currently facing court action for unpaid council tax while stranded in Cyprus due to health issues. Collins traveled to Cyprus for a two-week holiday in September but developed a severe chest infection that rendered her unfit to return home. Following her hospitalization, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) mistakenly recorded her as deceased, leading to the suspension of her pension payments in early November. As a result, Breckland District Council is pursuing her for £875 in alleged unpaid council tax.
Background & Context: Health Crisis and Financial Strain
Collins's financial difficulties began when her pension payments ceased after the DWP's error. Despite her age and disability, which she claims exempt her from council tax, the council is demanding payment. Collins has been unable to return to the UK due to her lack of funds and ongoing health issues, including limited mobility following a fall after her recovery from the chest infection.
Official Statements & Responses
A spokesperson for Breckland District Council stated that they cannot comment on individual cases but emphasized their responsibility to collect council tax and reassess bills when residents' circumstances change. They also mentioned their collaborative approach in understanding individual situations. Meanwhile, South West Norfolk MP Terry Jermy is actively working to resolve Collins's situation, describing it as a "matter of priority."
Criticism & Opposition: DWP's Handling of the Case
Collins has expressed frustration with the DWP, stating, "They have still not given me a penny after five months. This keeps going around in circles. The DWP is just making excuses." She has faced significant challenges in communicating with the DWP, often waiting on hold for hours and being cut off. Despite her niece's attempts to intervene, the DWP has refused to discuss the case without power of attorney, which Collins has since arranged but claims the department has no record of receiving.
On-the-Ground Reports: Impact on Health and Well-being
The ongoing struggle has severely impacted Collins's physical and mental health. She stated, "I don't know how much longer I can live going on like this." Her situation has left her feeling isolated and helpless, relying on WhatsApp for communication after exhausting her mobile credit. The lack of financial support and the stress of the court proceedings have compounded her distress.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While Collins asserts that she is exempt from council tax due to her age and disability, the council maintains that they are obligated to pursue all unpaid taxes. The DWP has not provided a clear timeline for resolving her pension issue, leaving Collins in a precarious situation with no immediate resolution in sight.
Verbatim Quotes
- “If I am ineligible to pay, how come they (Breckland District Council) are demanding council tax from me?” — Marie Collins, Resident
- “My team and I are actively supporting Marie and have been pursuing every possible way of getting this situation resolved for her as a matter of priority,” — Terry Jermy, MP
- “They have still not given me a penny after five months. This keeps going around in circles. The DWP is just making excuses. They assumed I was dead.” — Marie Collins, Resident
- “I don’t know how much longer I can live going on like this.” — Marie Collins, Resident
The situation remains unresolved as Collins continues to await clarity from the DWP while facing legal action from the council.
