Council top in Staffordshire for collection of council tax and business rates

Staffordshire Moorlands District Council's Revenues and Benefits service is the best performing among Staffordshire's councils when it comes to the collection of council tax and business rates, more formally known as non-domestic rates.

Figures released for the end of the 2024/25 financial year showed that it collected 98.4 per cent of all council tax due and 99.4% of all business rates due in the Moorlands district.

Furthermore, the service was also top for processing new housing benefit claims, processing these in 8.3 days against the national target set by the Department for Work and Pensions of 18 days.

It collected just over £72,180,828.30 in council tax and £20,064,255.72 in non-domestic rates.

While being very efficient the service also takes pride in the care it gives to vulnerable people who may be struggling financially. As appropriate, it will refer those in particular need to seek help from debt advice services.

The service is actively supported by Customer Services who handle calls and queries for recovery documents issued and in making payment arrangements.

Cabinet Member for Finance, Councillor Chris Wood, said of the service's achievement: "To perform well in one of these areas is commendable but to have achieved the best collection figures for both council tax and business rates, and achieve an impressive processing time for housing benefit claims people rely on, is truly remarkable.

"I am absolutely thrilled, especially as we are measured against the performance of the large and neighbouring Stoke-on-Trent City Council and eight other district and borough councils for the services we provide in these areas. I heartily congratulate all involved."

Published 28 May 2025