TWO North East Wales councils are owed almost £15m by residents, it has been confirmed.

Freedom of Information data obtained by the Leader has shown that as of March 2 this year, 6,038 households across Flintshire are behind on their council tax payments. The total value of those arrears comes to £3,827,699.

Wrexham Council was not able to confirm exactly how many households are in arrears with council tax, as "a household may have multiple council tax accounts."

However, the authority did confirm that as of February 28 this year, its outstanding council tax owed stood at £10,832,289.59 - of which £4,794,960.68 relates to the current financial year.

A council tax rise of 3.99 per cent for Flintshire residents was set in February - meaning £1,521.33 will be paid in council tax on a Band D equivalent property; a £1.38 per week increase.

Prior to the new tax level being rubber stamped Councillor Ian Roberts, leader of the council, said: “We have worked hard to ensure that we present a balanced budget and maintain council services. 

"We are acutely aware of the financial pressures which all households are facing and have therefore kept the element of council tax relating to council service to 3.99%, when taking into account other levying bodies the overall level equates to 4.95%.” 

A Flintshire Council spokesman said: "Council Tax payers on a low income and in receipt of welfare benefits including Universal Credit, may be entitled to some help towards paying Council Tax.

"This is called the Council Tax Reduction Scheme (CTRS). Residents can also use an on-line calculation to see if they qualify for any help.

"To help council tax payers budget around monthly payments for the 2023-24 bills, the council can also offer instalments over 12 months instead of 10, or as many months that remain in the year up to March 2024.

"We also offer further flexible payment options including the opportunity to pay weekly or every four weeks.

"If residents want to change their method of payment, set up payments over 12 months, or need support making payments with council tax, householders can also touch with the council tax team by telephone 01352 704848 or email at local.taxation@flintshire.gov.uk.

"Figures published by the Welsh Government show that Flintshire County Council, with the support of local residents, is already one of the highest performing Council in Wales in its collection of Council Tax.

"During 2022/23 households have understandably had difficulty meeting their Council Tax payments.

"However, by reaching out to these households and supporting them with applications for Council Tax Reduction Support and making bespoke payment arrangements on a case by case basis has ensured Flintshire County Council continue to be one of the highest performing councils in Wales in terms of council tax collections.

"We will continue to support these payers with their payments and we anticipate that we will eventually collect at least 98.8 per cent of council taxes that are due in any given year- this is well above the current Welsh collection average of 97.8 per cent.”

Following a full meeting of Wrexham Council in February, the authority's budget for 2023-24 was set - including a six per cent council tax increase.

This means that council tax on a Band D property will be £1,451.33 for 2023-24.

Presenting the proposals at the meeting council leader and lead member for finance, Esclusham Cllr Mark Pritchard (Ind), said: “The proposals presented today help to address the key pressures highlighted throughout the year.

“The scale of the cost pressures are greater than any period across the last decade. Even in very difficult times it is vital to prioritise investment where it is most needed.”

Wrexham Council was approached by the Leader for further comment on the levels of arrears and action to help residents.