London,
22
June
2008
|
23:00
Europe/London

Hackney achieves the most improved Council Tax collection rates in London

HACKNEY has achieved the most improved Council Tax collection rates in London, and the second most improved in the country.

The Council collected 92.4% in 2007/08, up 1.9% on the previous year’s figure of 90.5%, and the highest increase in the capital according to government Department for Communities and Local Government figures released last week.

Cllr Jamie Carswell, Deputy Mayor of Hackney, said: “Making sure the Council is high performing and efficient is right at the top of our agenda for the borough.

“This is a great illustration of how the Council is improving, and improvingvits services for Hackney residents.”

The collection of the borough’s business rates (NNDR) also saw a boost, up to 99.3% from 98.4% in the same period, the joint third highest rate in London.

Local Government Minister John Healey said: “Councils have continued to improve their council tax collection rates. Last year, councils collected 97.1% of the collectable council tax, and I congratulate them on their efforts.

“Collection of council tax continues beyond the year in which it is due, and I urge councils not to let up the pressure, but to continue their good work on chasing arrears and make further improvements to their collection rates. It is only fair on other council tax payers that everyone pays what they owe.”

In February this year the Audit Commission elevated Hackney Council to a three star rating, describing the Council as “improving strongly” and showing “one of the highest rates of service improvement in London”.