TAX dodgers in Worcester are being warned that the city council is cracking down on non-payment of debts.
Collection of council tax and business rates shot up by £1.2m in the first quarter, with 3,387 summons issued for non-payment.
At Tuesday night's cabinet meeting, finance chief Councillor Simon Geraghty said: "We will be tough if you don't pay council tax or business rates.
"These summons are a clear message in relation to non-payment of debt and ultimately, it can lead to prison." Coun Barry Mackenzie-Williams added: "There are too many people who think if they hide their head in the sand it will go away."
However, councillors added that there was help on hand, through the Citizen's advice Bureau and Black Pear Credit Scheme, if people were struggling to meet their payments.
Anyone wanting more information on this help should contact the CAB or the city council.
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