A WEE County woman was shocked to receive a letter from Clackmannanshire Council earlier this month – chasing up a council tax payment from 18 years ago.

The Clackmannan resident said had it been later in the year when the final notice reminder dropped through the letterbox, she would have taken it for an April Fools’ Day joke.

She told the Advertiser: “I didn’t read it right, but I thought, how can it be a final reminder when I normally pay by direct debit? It wasn’t until I looked at the date, I phoned up the council right away.

“They couldn’t put me through to anyone in that department because they weren’t picking the phones up, that’s when I went right in.” The perplexing letter informed her that she owed the local authority a balance dating from between 1 April 1996 and 31 March 1997.

She had no idea she was in arrears but, with no way of checking her receipts from back then, plans to pay the amount demanded.

The mum-of-one said she queried the length of time taken to notify her when she visited the local revenue services office, but left none the wiser.

She added: “My main thing is, why has it taken them all these years? What are they needing money for now?” On its website, Clackmannanshire Council has said from January 2015 reminder letters are being issued to those who have arrears, unless payment arrangements are already in place.

It warns that “failure to make a payment agreement on receipt of these reminders will see the arrears recovered via summary warrant proceedings”.

The local authority has said there is now a stronger emphasis on the recovery of debt.

A spokesperson explained: “Clackmannanshire Council already successfully collects 96 per cent of all council tax debt. However, just like all other local authorities, we are facing a difficult time financially, and it is important that we leave no stone unturned in chasing the debts owed to the council.

“There is a stronger emphasis on the recovery of debt in the restructured council, with efforts being made to enable the council to improve on its overall collection performance.

“Although we collect more than 96 per cent of all council tax we are always striving to recoup every penny owed to us, so we can use the money to maintain and protect the vital front line services our residents rely on.

“We always encourage council taxpayers to pay their council tax by direct debit, which means you can never miss a payment. It is in the public’s interest to pay council tax in order to maintain essential services and keep costs to a minimum.

“We would urge anyone who is having difficulty in paying or who wants to speak to us about a letter they have received to contact us right away on 01259 450000 or email revenuesrecovery@clacks.gov.uk”