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NINE IN A ROW FOR THE HIGHLAND COUNCIL ON COUNCIL TAX COLLECTION
For the ninth year in a row, Council Tax "in year" collections in Highland have shown an improvement. Figures just released by The Highland Council reveal that 94.14% of the tax that was billed for the year 2004/2005 was received by 31 March 2005. This generated almost �500,000 of additional income within the year.

The collection of non-domestic rates in the same period was 95.98%.

Eventual collection rates for earlier years after recovery action rose to 96.8% for Council Tax and 98.9% for non-domestic rates.

Councillor John Matheson, Chairman of the Council's Resources Committee, said he was delighted with the figures.  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.