£3m goes begging

COUNCIL-TAX dodgers have made Oldham the ninth worst area for uncollected council tax in the region.

Oldham Council failed to collect £3,079,000 in 2007-08.

The worst local authority in the North-West was Manchester City Council, which topped the table with £12,478,000.

Eden fared best, failing to collect just £192,000, according to the public services union GMB.

Paul McCarthy, GMB regional secretary, said: “Well over £700 million remains owed to local authorities in England, Wales and Scotland.

“This money is urgently needed by councils to provide necessary services particularly to the elderly and vulnerable.”