Council failed to retrieve millions in unpaid rates over almost two decades
Hackney has lost £28.4 million in uncollected council tax since this form of rates was introduced in 1993. Almost £4 million of that loss occurred in the last financial year.
Now the council has announced cuts totalling £44 million to its services, including about 200 jobs from its full-time staff of 3,200. The Labour regime in Mare Street promises not to close any libraries or youth facilities.
Hackney council told Loving Dalston: “The borough has a transient population and a high proportion of rented accommodation. Unfortunately, some people move without paying their council tax or advising us of a forwarding address.
“We continue to invest in tools and systems that allow us to trace non-payers and, once they are traced, we actively pursue the outstanding amount, including using bailiffs and bankruptcy action.
“Ultimately, we expect to collect in excess of 97 per cent of the tax for each year.”
Hackney council told Loving Dalston: “The borough has a transient population and a high proportion of rented accommodation. Unfortunately, some people move without paying their council tax or advising us of a forwarding address.
“We continue to invest in tools and systems that allow us to trace non-payers and, once they are traced, we actively pursue the outstanding amount, including using bailiffs and bankruptcy action.
“Ultimately, we expect to collect in excess of 97 per cent of the tax for each year.”