Concerns over £84m in outstanding council tax
 
Welsh Conservatives have questioned council tax collection rates in Wales as new figures reveal the total amount of money owed to local authorities.
 
Despite a rise in collected council tax, 84 million pounds was missing from council coffers as of March 31st 2015, of which 36 million pounds was in-year arrears.
 
Collection rates vary greatly across Wales, with Pembrokeshire recording the highest in-year total at 98 per cent and Blaenau Gwent the lowest, at 95 per cent.
 
 
Welsh Conservative Shadow Minister for Local Government, Janet Finch-Saunders AM, said:
 
“With council tax already rocketing in Labour-run Wales, local authorities must leave no stone unturned in their efforts to collect.
 
“If bills go unpaid, it only means higher costs for everyone else.
 
“While last year saw a welcome improvement in council tax collection, the rates were already at such a low base that any boost was desperately needed.
 
“Those doing well should share best practice and all efforts must be made to produce further improvements.
 
 
“While council tax is frozen by the UK government in England, the Welsh Labour government has consistently refused to do the same here. 
 
“Welsh Conservatives would put that right – and ensure Welsh households are as treated as fairly as their English counterparts.”