Council also collected millions owed in arrears
Hounslow Council says it is collecting more council tax than ever before. The figures apply to both business and domestic council tax.
The latest figures show Hounslow collected 97.8 per cent of council tax in 2012/13,which the Council says is putting them among the best performing councils in London.
As well as collecting last year’s council tax, a further £4.5 million of arrears from previous years has been reclaimed.
Leader of the council, Cllr Jagdish Sharma, said:
“Last year’s collection rate was our best ever in Hounslow – and unlike some council’s we do not write off historic debts, which can date back as far as 1993.
“We will continue to take action to recover the money we are owed, including data matching with other local authorities and private companies to trace those trying to evade payment.
“We also use all legal means available to us, and last year one offender was sent to prison for refusing to pay a debt dating back several years.
“We know that some people have financial difficulties, and if they are unable to pay their council tax they should contact us as soon as possible to see what support we can offer.”
The collection rate for business rates in the borough also increased during 2012/13, with 98.4 per cent being collected from local businesses.
Anyone who is having trouble paying their council tax should contact the council as soon as possible on 020 8583 4242 to find out what support is available.
The collection figures for the last five years are:
Year |
Hounslow Rate |
Debt (£,000's) |
Collected (£,000's) |
Arrears collected (£,000's) |
2008/2009 |
95.40 |
102,261 |
97,557 |
2,530 |
2009/2010 |
95.99 |
102,078 |
97,983 |
3,630 |
2010/2011 |
96.59 |
102,194 |
98,707 |
3,410 |
2011/2012 |
97.39 |
103,628 |
100,920 |
4,475 |
2011/2013 |
97.78 |
105,154 |
102,824 |
4,521 |