22 June 2009
A WLGA spokesperson said:
“The Welsh average council tax collection rate for 2008-09 has only fallen by 0.2% to 96.4% (ranges from 94.5% [Blaenau Gwent] to 98.3% [Pembrokeshire]). Given the economic circumstances that have developed over the last year, council tax collection tax rates have held up relatively well but it is likely that collection rates will remain under pressure over the next year.
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. Councils have already found that other sources of income such as fees, charges and investment income have also fallen as a result of the recession, whilst also seeing increasing benefit applications and demands for services such as housing advice.
Councils know that this is a very difficult time for their communities and along with the WLGA have been working closely with the Welsh Assembly Government and the Citizens Advice Bureau to develop a good practice guide for council tax collection during the recession which was launched by the Minister for Social Justice and Local Government yesterday. Its aim is to assist Councils with practical suggestions that will help ensure that people are supported in making their payments and in providing people with access to the financial support they need. Councils are also doing what they can to ensure that people are aware of the council tax benefit which they may be entitled to and helping people in making their application.
In response to the recession, councils are offering more financial support services than ever. Their main priority is to help people address their difficult financial situation before they get to an unmanageable level of arrears. Every council in Wales urges any citizen who is experiencing financial difficulty to contact them for advice and information.”
Ends