Sefton Council is the best performing Merseyside local authority for Council Tax and Business Rate collection.

Sefton's Business Rate collection for 2015/16 is now an impressive 99.3% making it the best performing metropolitan borough in the country.

Sefton Council's collection rate for Council Tax currently stands at 96.2%.

Cllr Paulette Lappin, Cabinet Member Regulatory, Compliance and Corporate Services, said: "These results are great news and provides reassurance to residents that we are maximising our revenue to keep Council Tax down.

"Due to budget savings we have had to make as a result of significant reductions in Government funding, we still feel we offer many valuable services through the income we receive from our Council Tax and Business Rates.

"Further savings are required in the coming years and we will always do our best to collect what is owed to us.

"Everyone who is required to pay their Council Tax and Business Rate bills should do so, and anyone who is struggling should contact us directly where we can try and help.”

More details about Council Tax/Business Rates can be found at www.sefton.gov.uk or, if you are having problems in meeting your payments call 0345 140 0845.