RESIDENTS have been thanked for paying their council tax as collection rates go up.

Slough Borough Council has issued its thanks after council tax collection was at 96.52 per cent, an increase of 0.5 per cent from 2014/15.

Business rate collection was also on the rise, with 97.12 per cent collected, an increase of 0.35 per cent from 2014/15.

The increase in collection rates means that council has brought in an additional £4m since last year.

Councillor Sohail Munawar, leader of the council, said: “We’d like to thank everyone who made it a priority to pay their council tax or business rates on time last year, despite difficult times.

“With cuts from government, we’re relying more heavily than ever on a good collection rate to keep the council and its services financially secure. That is why we’ve increased our efforts in recent years to collect all the tax owed to us, taking a firm but fair approach.

“I’m also conscious that it’s not been easy for a lot of people. So we’ve been providing help and support whenever we can – offering council tax support, issuing hardship payments and ensuring people are receiving the benefits they’re entitled to."

To see what help the council offers for those having trouble paying log on to www.slough.gov.uk and click ‘Council Tax’. Alternatively, call MyCouncil on 01753 475111.