Rate arrears of £18,000 targeted by parish

The warning comes after reminder notices have been sent to parishioners who have yet to clear their rates and refuse accounts, potentially leaving the parish with too little money to administer the Vale in 2024.

In all, 146 people have yet to pay – leaving £5,098.31 outstanding for rates and £13,279.39 for refuse, totalling £18,377.70.

This is better than last month, when more than 500 bills had yet to be cleared, but the remaining accounts need to be settled immediately to avoid a Petty Debt Court summons.

Letters have been sent to the 175 and a £25 fine applied to the account. The next stage if the office doesn't hear from the individuals is for court action to be taken – which means a £60 fee plus a further £127 if it actually goes to court.

"Going to court is absolutely a last resort for us," the parish said, "but we have an obligation to collect the money owed to the parish so we can properly administer the Vale.

"If anyone is having difficulties paying their rates bill do please contact us. We can't help if we don't hear from you and, by default, that could result in a court appearance.

• Anyone struggling to pay their rates is asked to contact the office as soon as possible via: telephone: 01481 244155, Email: [email protected] or in person at Maraitaine Road, Vale. Its opening hours are: Monday - Friday 10.00 - 13.00
  
  
• Rates can be paid in person at the office, by sending in a cheque or over the phone, when a card payment can be taken. Parishioners can also do it online through their own banking facility or mobile app. To do so, simply follow your own bank's instructions for setting up a new payee and enter the Vale Parish's sort code – 30-93-73 – and the parish account number – 02422523.
  
  
• The other thing needed, which is vital, is the parochial rates invoice number, found at the top of the bill sent out to all parishioners in the post. Without that, matching up the payment to the household becomes extremely difficult.