Huge drop in council tax arrears in town

Figures just produced for the 21 Yorkshire and Humber councils show Barnsley has achieved the third highest reduction in the level of uncollected council tax - the best in South Yorkshire.

Overall arrears in Barnsley fell by 249,000 in 2006/2007. It is the only council in the region to have reduced its arrears, although there was still 2.5 million of council tax uncollected in the borough.

Dave Whittingham, Barnsley taxation manager, said: “The figures are a testament to the hard work and commitment shown by the council to increase council tax collections.

“Every effort is being made to maximise the collection options available. Summonses sent for non-payment rose significantly last year and led to increased collections.

“The council has recently embarked on a new course of action on large debts that could even result in bankruptcy proceedings being taken against individuals to obtain payment’.

“Significant year-on-year increases in direct debit take-up have helped more people organise their council tax payments much better and this too has contributed to higher collections.”

Mr Whittingham added: “We have a duty to collect council tax, but we do not lose sight that we need to be sensitive to the circumstances of each individual council tax payer.

“We recognise that some people do from time to time have difficulty in keeping up with their payments. We are here to help and actively maximise benefit take-up and enter into reasonable alternative arrangements for payment.”

Cabinet spokesman for finance Coun Alan Gardiner said: “This service is seen by many to be an unglamorous activity. But ultimately every council service relies on the money collected.

“Over the past few years our collection rates have been well in excess of 99 per cent and we continue to pursue all outstanding accounts. The good performance is also a testament to the people of Barnsley who continue to take their payment responsibilities seriously.”