FAMILIES have been urged to reach out for help if they find themselves in financial difficulties after it was revealed Wrexham Council is owed more than £10m in unpaid tax.

Freedom of Information data obtained by the Leader confirmed that as of April 1 this year, the total net debt council tax owed to the authority for all financial years is £10,771,888.80.

And while the figure is down slightly from the total owed amount confirmed by the council in February 2023 (then just over £10.8m) this year's 9.9 per cent increase on council tax will be of concern to many who already find themselves in arrears.

Councillor Beverley Parry-Jones, Wrexham Council's anti-poverty champion, has urged those worried about their finances to reach out for help, and to speak to their creditors.

She said: "I would urge people that if they do find themselves on that route, seek help sooner rather than later.

"Speak to your creditors. There's always something they will be able to do.

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The Leader: Cllr Beverley Parry-Jones (WCBC)Cllr Beverley Parry-Jones (WCBC) (Image: WCBC)"I am sure it is difficult to sit down and have that conversation, but I'd remind people that they are not on their own - people from all walks of life are experiencing this kind of pressure at the moment."

Cllr Parry-Jones said people may find themselves in difficulties for a variety of reasons as well - including a change in employment circumstances.

She added: "Long gone are they days of thinking 'I have a job for life'.

"No matter what employment you're in, nothing is for certain.

"There are all kinds of knock-on factors and we really don't know what others are going through."

A Wrexham Council spokesman added: "The council takes action to recover Council Tax Arrears in accordance with Regulations, when residents contact the council about arrears we provide advice and support and offer signposting where appropriate to various organizations and departments both in-house and externally."