Best in the North West for council tax collection

Ribble Valley Borough Council collected an impressive 98.8 per cent of council tax in 2015/16 thanks to prompt payment by residents and the diligence of the council’s collection team.

Council leader Stuart Hirst said: “Ribble Valley has the lowest council tax in the North West and one of the best collection rates in the country.

“Council tax is vital in ensuring we continue to fund services in the borough and I would like to thank residents for their excellent payment record, and council staff for maintaining these outstanding collection rates.”

Council tax bills include precepts from Lancashire County Council, Lancashire Constabulary, Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service and parishes. Ribble Valley Borough Council’s share of the council tax is just nine per cent, the lowest in Lancashire and one of the lowest in the country.

Stuart Hirst added: “This is a significant achievement built on many years of careful financial planning and management.

“I am grateful to councillors and staff for their dedication and commitment in continuing to deliver efficient and cost-effective services, while maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction.”

The council’s head of revenues and benefits, Mark Edmondson, said: “We won’t rest on our laurels and our staff will continue to pursue any outstanding council tax over the coming months.”

Anyone struggling to pay council tax is asked to contact Ribble Valley Borough Council on 01200 425111.

Further information about council tax and what it is used for is available at ribblevalley.gov.uk.

Ribble Valley Borough Council’s head of revenues and benefits Mark Edmondson (left) is pictured with leader Stuart Hirst.