This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Figures show increase in collection of council tax
10/07/2006
Figures released by the Executive today reveal Scottish councils collected an estimated 93.3 per cent of their 2005-06 council tax, a 0.6 per cent increase on the previous year.
The provisional figures also show 29 out of 32 councils have improved their in-year council tax collection rates in 2005-06.
Minister for Finance and Public Service Reform Tom McCabe said:
"These figures are a step in the right direction but there is still room for improvement in council tax collection.
"The vast majority of councils have increased their collection rates this year, leading to an increased average collection rate of 93.3 per cent in 2005-06, an increase of 0.6 per cent on last year.
"This slight improvement in collection rates, which represents an additional £10.735 million on the previous year, signals a more even loading on local taxpayers. It is not right to expect the majority of taxpayers to continue to subsidise the minority who do not pay their share.
"At the same time as wishing to drive up collection rates, we are determined to ensure that the appropriate advice and assistance is given to anyone who is experiencing difficulties with payments."