Council Tops for Council Tax Collection and Benefit Claims

Published: 22nd August 2023

Council Tax Bill and Money image

Ribble Valley Borough Council has thanked its residents and staff after coming tops in the North West for the collection of council tax and speedy processing of housing benefit claims.

Official figures have revealed that council tax collection in Ribble Valley is the best in the North West and third in England.

Ribble Valley Borough Council collected an impressive 99.1 per cent of council tax in 2022/23 thanks to prompt payment by residents and the efficiency of the collection team.

The authority was also the third fastest in Lancashire for processing new housing benefit claims.

Council leader Stephen Atkinson said: “Ribble Valley has the lowest council tax in Lancashire and one of the best collection rates in the country.

“Council tax helps us fund vital services, such as refuse collection and street cleansing, and I would like to thank our residents and staff for these outstanding collection rates.

“At the same time, our staff are processing new housing benefit claims in double-quick time, ensuring vital help is reaching our most vulnerable residents as soon as possible.

“These are significant achievements built on many years of careful financial management, as well as the skill and dedication of staff, who know their jobs inside out and deliver efficient services, while maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction, during what is a difficult time for many households.”

●          Ribble Valley has the lowest council tax in Lancashire and one of the lowest in the UK. Further information about council tax and what it is used for is available at https://www.ribblevalley.gov.uk/council-tax. It you are worried about paying your council tax, phone Ribble Valley Borough Council on 01200 425111.