A MAJOR council service that collects council tax and business rates is celebrating a Government award - for the fourth time.
The Charter Mark for excellence was handed to the Revenue Service, which is provided by HBS on behalf of Middlesbrough Council.
Councillor Nicky Walker, executive member for resources, said: "Council tax goes to pay for the services we provide to local people day in, day out.
"It is pleasing that the assessors noted the very high regard that customers, partners and departments of the local authority have for the service."
With a staff of 24, the revenue services team sends out 145,000 bills every year to homes and 11,000 rates bills to local businesses in Middlesbrough. It handles 71,000 enquiries.
The latest improvement to the service allows customers to pay online or over the phone.
The delivery of this service to Charter Mark standards has resulted in improved collection performance for 2005/06.
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