Comhairle nan Eilean Siar is increasing its efforts to recover outstanding Council Tax and other debts.

Martin Jones, Head of Revenues and Exchequer, said:

"Our in house team will make every effort to contact those people who for whatever reason are not paying their Council tax or other debts, but if people do not respond to us or refuse to pay, we have no alternative but to take further recovery action. In most cases we will refer the debt to our Sheriff Officers, Stirling Park, who can take further legal action to recover the debts. This can include a range of measures, including obtaining money directly from earnings or a bank account, or even applying for bankruptcy.”

Since the debt recovery team was set up three years ago, the Comhairle has made considerable progress, and has now collected 96.4% of all the Council Tax that has ever been billed. Action taken to sequestrate 15 individuals has resulted in payments totalling £45,000 being made. This shows that there are those who will try to avoid payment but that the Comhairle will take all legal steps open to it to enforce payment.

During 2005/06 the Comhairle collected 93.9% of all the Council Tax due for the year. This compares to the Scottish average of 93.4%. In all, the Comhairle collects about £25m a year in Council Tax, Non-Domestic Rates, and other fees and charges.

Vice-Convener Angus Campbell said: “It is only fair to the vast majority of people who do pay that we ensure that those who can pay their Council tax do so, and that those who can’t pay get the possible advice. This money goes on paying for services throughout our communities. The Comhairle will always do everything we can to help those who are genuinely struggling to pay and the advice to anyone in such a position is to get in touch with us. It is simply unfair to the rest of the community if some people get away without making a contribution to the cost of running local services”.

Anyone who owes the Comhairle money and is worried about how to pay should contact either the Customer Service section on 01851 709551 or the Debt Recovery team on 01851 709579 (or speak to Stirling Park if the debt has been referred to them).

Independent money advice is also available from the Western Isles Citizens’ Advice Service (01851 700088).

Nigel Scott
Communications Officer
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar

Tel: 01851 709389 (Work)
Tel: 07884 236103 (Mobile)
email: nscott@cne-siar.gov.uk