COUNCIL tax collection in Inverclyde is the highest for 10 years.

New figures show the latest rate is 94.8 per cent, compared with 94.5 last year and 91.9 in 2005-6.

Reacting to the figures, council leader Stephen McCabe said they had been delivered due to sound financial management.

Councillor McCabe said the high collection rate was important as the tax pays for essential local services like schools, refuse collection and roads.

He said: “Maximising the amount of collection received during the year is absolutely crucial to making sure that services are delivered.

“The increases in collection rates are testimony to sound financial management and ensuring residents have every opportunity to make sure they can pay their bills easily and quickly.” He added: “I would urge more residents to use easy payment methods such as direct debit for paying bills like the council tax.

“It’s easy to set up and can be a help in managing your money and avoiding getting behind and in debt.” The news on council tax collections comes just a week after the council issued its response to the Commission on Local Tax Reform, urging it to retain a modified council tax system that ‘will provide continuity and minimise disruption’.

Mr McCabe called for an increase in tax bands at the upper and lower ends to make the council tax system fairer.

He said the increased council tax collection rates shows it is widely accepted, with a very high level of payment.

Council tax can be paid online through the council website www.inverclyde.gov.uk, by barcoded bill or payment card at paypoint sites in Post Offices, at the council’s customer service centre and by phone to the automated payment line on 0845 309 6062 (24 hours) or 712590 (office hours).