The Council Tax collection rate in Wirral is set to rise to over 96% this year, despite the challenges brought on by the recession.

Wirral Council is thought to be the only local authority in Merseyside that will meet its revenue targets, with other areas predicting shortfalls of between £200,000 and £4 million. Collecting so much of what is owed has helped to achieve a low Council Tax increase for Wirral residents, which for 2010/2011, is under half the rate of inflation at 1.67%.

Leader of Wirral Council, Councillor Steve Foulkes explained:

“Our collection rates for Council Tax are very high and we expect that over 99% of outstanding debts will have been collected by the end of the financial year. This strong performance is so important because any shortfall in projections would further increase Council Tax levels for the following year, which is unfair on the majority of people who always pay what is required for their public sector services.

“I think that our success is largely due to the fact that we offer a range of payment methods and dates to residents, with 70% now paying via Direct Debit which is known for being safe and reliable. We also recognise that people sometimes struggle to pay their Council Tax, particularly in the current economic climate. Wherever possible, we have tried to assist these residents at an early stage with special arrangements in line with our Fair Debt Policy.”

Wirral Council collects £122 million each year from 145,000 households and awards almost £30 million in Council Tax Benefit for people on the lowest of incomes.