To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what the cost was of administering the council tax system in the latest year for which figures are available. (155217)

Net current expenditure by local authorities in England on administering the council tax system for 2005-06 is tabled as follows.

The data are as reported by local authorities on Revenue Outturn (RO) returns for 2005-06.

Net current expenditure is defined as gross expenditure on employees and running expenses, less income from sales, fees and charges, and ‘other income’.

The cost of council tax collection includes any costs relating to collection of arrears of council tax and community charge.