TOUGH new rules are being introduced in a bid to cut the number of council tenants who owe money to the town hall.

Once the new policy is introduced anyone owing the council more than £1 will automatically get a letter or a visit.

This will be followed up by a second letter and an eviction notice once the debt goes over £105.

Last year the Audit Commission revealed Blackburn with Darwen Council has the highest amount of arrears owed by tenants in Lancashire.

The latest policy is based on the theory that debt is easier to control in the early stages.

Studies have shown that more money is recovered on debts below £100 compared to outstanding bills over £500.

The main aim of the initiative is to save money and increase the council's income but officers also want to see a consistent approach to debt collection. But housing officers are keen to point out that the welfare of tenants in debt was also taken into account when the policy was drawn up.

Housing director Phil Richards has written a report on the new policy for the housing and community services committee. The report says: "Many tenants 'bury their head in the sand' rather than address their problem with arrears and other debts.

"Publicising that the council is willing to come to arrangements and offer to help those in difficulty may reduce that problem.

"Those tenants who have the capacity to pay but decline to do so should be made aware that the council is ready to take action against them."

The initiative will be discussed at a Blackburn with Darwen Council housing and community services committee on Friday.

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