Chairman Welcomes Council’s Performance on Tax Collection

Figures issued by the Scottish Executive confirm that The Highland Council has recorded a 10% improvement in Council Tax collection over the past 10 years.

This is the fourth best improvement rate in Scotland and since 1996/7 the Council’s rate of collection has improved from 25th out of 32 councils in Scotland to 13th.

The in-year rate of collection stands at 95.1%.

In the past year, the Council improved its in-year collection rate by 1%, 0.3% above the national average.

Councillor John Matheson, Chairman of the Resources Committee, welcomed the confirmation of the Council’s year-on-year improvement.

He said: "The collection rate is a tribute to the hardworking finance team drawn from all parts of the Highlands, who are dedicated to continuous performance improvement. The Council appreciates very much the support from those members of the public and the business community who consistently pay on time, and this allows essential investment in local services to continue. The collection figures speak for themselves, and show the Council’s determination to ensure that all taxpayers meet their obligations."

He particularly commended those who paid by direct debit, a method of payment that helped the Council to keep administrative costs down, and saved taxpayers receiving unwelcome reminder notices. A total of 55% of Council Tax payers pay by this method.

Anyone in difficulties with Council Tax, is encouraged to visit their local Service Point to see if they might qualify for Council Tax Benefit. The process is entirely confidential.