In the face of a cumulative 75% reduction in government funding 80% of Croydon’s income, used to support key front-line services across the borough, comes from council tax collections or the borough’s share of business rates.
During the last financial year the borough’s council tax collection rate was 97.25%, the highest rate the borough has ever received. This contributed more than £204 million to fund council services, £13 million more than last year.
During the same period the council collected 99.25% of business rates, again the best ever collection rate in Croydon. The funds gathered are passed on to central government who then redistribute them across the country. Croydon Council collected more than £124 million, £4 million more than last year.
Last year Croydon Council signed a charter pledging for ethical and fair council tax collection.
It offers support to those who cannot pay, helping them claim the full range of benefits they are entitled to.
The council engages proactively with residents throughout the year and offers as much flexibility as possible to help those struggling to meet payment deadlines.
“The funds we raise through collecting council tax and the money we receive from our business rates are key to funding vital services.
“Our officers work hard to ensure the vast majority of money owed to the council is collected to help support vital services. Croydon is a large borough with more challenges than some of the smaller outer London boroughs so the record collection rate is testament to their hard work.