£9.5m in debt

A WARNING has been issued to residents not paying their council tax bill

Councillor Abdul Jabbar, cabinet member for finance, pledged the council will take “all necessary steps” against people who haven’t settled their bill.

Councillor Jabbar said: “Council tax pays for vital services and if people don’t pay there will be a shortfall in funding which could result in cuts. No-one wants this to happen.

“The hours officers spend trying to contact non-payers is a further drain on resources. Residents are being given every opportunity to pay and people must meet their obligations. It’s not right you pay and your neighbour does not.”

New figures revealed a multi-million pound total owed in unpaid tax. Between April 2012 and this March, Oldham magistrates awarded Oldham Council 12,228 liability orders worth more than £9.5m in council tax arrears and court costs. Non-payment could lead to action by bailiffs.

More liability orders could be issued following the introduction of council-tax benefit changes in April.

Around 16,800 Oldham working-age residents were hit with a benefit bombshell and must now pay up to 25 per cent towards their council tax.

“We understand many residents may be struggling financially and need additional support to pay,” said Councillor Jabbar. “We urge people to get in contact to discuss payment options.”

Find out more online at www.oldham.gov.uk/pay