A WAR of words has broken out after claims Worcester residents owe more than £2 million in unpaid council tax.
Statistics released by National Debtline show those living in the city have failed to pay £2,498,000 in bills this year – an average of £56 per house.
The figure is more than £100,000 up on the previous 12 months. There were also 131 callers to the charity, which said council tax was now the fastest growing type of debt, last year.
Joanna Elson, chief executive of the Money Advice Trust, the charity that runs National Debtline, said: “We are seeing more and more people seek help with Council Tax arrears – but the fact that Worcester residents owe £2.4 million makes us concerned that many more people in the area are struggling alone. Free debt advice services such as National Debtline are here to help.
“We would like to see local authorities do everything they can to help residents who are falling behind to seek the free advice that can turn their lives around.
“We know that that the earlier a problem is caught, the better the outcome.
“I would urge anyone in Worcester who is struggling to make their Council Tax payments to contact National Debtline as soon as possible.
“Our expert advisers are on hand to work through your situation and help you get back on track with your finances,” she added.
However Guildhall chiefs told the Observer the figures quoted were the total arrears owing at the end of the financial year, meaning the overall debt over many preceding years.
The actual figure for 2014/15 was £1,268,000 which meant 97.57 per cent of Council Tax was collected in the city, down from £1,303,000 in 2013/14.
A Worcester City Council spokesman said: “If you fall behind on your Council Tax payments, don’t just ignore the problem.
“We want to help, so please get in touch with us on 0300 333 9942 and we’ll work with you to put a suitable payment arrangement in place that works for you and works for us,” he added.
Alternatively, call National Debtline for free on 0808 808 4000 for more information.
