A total of 98 per cent of tax was collected by East Renfrewshire Council for the year 2014/15, giving it the best rate in the country.

The first-class rate is down to a number of factors including the introduction and uptake of paying by paperless direct debit.

The council also said its commitment to produce the correct bill to people who’ve had a change of circumstance will give them the best chance of paying over the remainder of the financial year giving residents who prefer to pay a smaller amount over a longer period to avoid falling into arrears the choice of paying over 12 months rather than 10.

The news was welcomed by convener for corporate services, Councillor Ian McAlpine.

He said: “This is great news for the residents of East Renfrewshire.

“With the pressure on the council’s finances continuing, maximising our council tax payment rate is more important than ever. Council tax generates income to enable us to fund better services for our residents.

“We have managed to achieve year-on-year improvement in collection, which is excellent. And while we’re delighted, we won’t rest on our laurels and will keep working hard to ensure it continues.” If anyone is worried about keeping up with their council tax payments or has council tax arrears please contact us on 0141 577 3208, or call into the Barrhead office. Payment arrangements can be made to help you get back on track with payments.

For anyone worried about debt, and who owes money to creditors, the council’s money advice staff can help by providing advice and assistance on how to deal with your debts. All information provided to the money advice team is confidential and will not be passed to anyone unless you give us permission to do so.

Councillor McAlpine added council staff were there to help if any resident was having trouble paying their tax.

He said: “If anyone is worried about keeping up with their council tax payments or has council tax arrears our money advice team can help by providing advice and assistance on how to deal with your debts. All information provided to the money advice team is confidential and will not be passed to anyone unless you give us permission to do so.” Residents can call money advice for free on 0800 052 1023 and quote ‘money advice’ or email money@eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk