Figures published this week by StatsWales reveal that the amount of council tax collected by Welsh councils has increased by 0.2 of a percentage over the last year (2010-11) compared to the previous year (2009-10).
The Welsh average council tax collection rate for 2010-11 has risen to 96.6%. This compares with 96.4% in 2009-10. In monetary terms the amount actually collected ( excluding council tax benefit) was £1,056 million out of a possible £1,094 million with half of Welsh councils reporting an increase in their collection rates for 2010-11.
Whilst collection rates have increased, over the same period the amount of arrears have decreased by over £2m.
Steve Thomas, WLGA Chief Executive said:
“This is a remarkable achievement particularly at a time of downturn in the economy and with pressures on family budgets. Councils recognise that they have a duty to all taxpayers in their area to ensure that those who should pay taxes do, so that this money can be re-invested into vital council services, however at the same time it is a balance between collecting and helping people who are in financial difficulty. Today’s figures show that council workers have got that balance right.
“Councils have been working closely with the WLGA, Welsh Government and the Citizens Advice Bureau to offer people practical support to help them make their payments; from practical suggestions to providing people with access to the financial support they need. They have also been proactive in making people aware of the council tax benefit which they may be entitled to and helping them in making their application.
“Councils’ main aim is to help people address their difficult financial situation before they get to an unmanageable level of arrears and today’s figures show that their approach is working. Every council in Wales continues to urge any citizen who is experiencing financial difficulty to contact them for advice and information.”
