Council tax collection
The Council Tax collection rate for 2024 to 2025 was 93.4%, slightly down from 93.7% in 2023 to 2024. The collection of in year council tax liabilities remains below historic levels as the legacy of COVID-19 and cost of living crisis continues to impact debt recovery profiles.
The collection of prior year council tax remains strong but the Council acknowledges that some of the debt accrued during the COVID-19 pandemic and cost of living crisis will lead to an increase in debt written off in the medium term.
| Reporting period | Coventry (%) | England (%) | Target (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 to 2018 | 95.9% | 97.1% | 96% |
| 2018 to 2019 | 95.7% | 97.0% | 96% |
| 2019 to 2020 | 95.5% | 96.8% | 96% |
| 2020 to 2021 | 94.4% | 95.7% | 96% |
| 2021 to 2022 | 94.0% | 95.9% | 95% |
| 2022 to 2023 | 94.3% | 96.0% | 95% |
| 2023 to 2024 | 93.7% | 95.9% | 95% |
| 2024 to 2025 | 93.4% | - | 94% |
Business rates collection
The overall business rates base remains relatively stable despite the impact of redevelopment work around city centre south. The business rates base was £341m for 2024 to 2025 and the collection rate was 94.3%, slightly down on 95.6% in 2023 to 2024.
The in-year collection of business rates has been heavily impacted by a number of companies experiencing insolvency events which has resulted in the Council having to write off several significant business rates liabilities.
