Councils see jump in rates debts

The country's largest local bodies are seeing a jump in debts, as ratepayers struggle to pay their bills on time.

At the end of June, Manukau City had a massive $9 million in outstanding rates.

It is owed a total of just under $37 million, up almost $8 million from last year.

North Shore City ended the financial year with almost $5 million owing in rates, compared with just $3 million last year.

Auckland City ended its financial year with almost $18 million outstanding, some $14 million owing in rates, compared with $13 million last year.

However, a spokesman says $5 million of it has been paid off since June.

Councils are calling in the debt collectors.

Baycorp's business from local authorities has increased 15 percent this year.

The company collects money for some 40 councils across the country.

General manager Joe Nel says they are chasing up unpaid rates, building consent fees and even the late return, or non-return, of library books.

- Newstalk ZB