Almost 50% of council tenants in West Lothian have cleared their rent arrears since the beginning of 2014, the local authority has said.

The interim figure means that rent arrears at the end of the financial year are now at their lowest since May 2013 and represents a reduction in rent arrears of £900,000, since the high of £2.2m in December 2013.

Councillor George Paul said: "It is really good news that more people have cleared themselves of rent arrears.

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"In 2013/14 the council faced unprecedented rent arrears levels and a task group was established in September 2013 to address this. This has been a national issue, especially for local authority landlords, as a result of reduced income levels for tenants, rising costs of living and the impact of welfare reforms.

"However, since the start of our campaign many people have come forward to ask for advice about debt and benefits. Housing Officers, customer advisers and the Advice Shop have worked tirelessly with council tenants to help to address their issues and to set up payment plans."

The year-end figure (April 2014) interim figures show rent arrears at £1.3m. This position will result in a collection rate in excess of 97%, the council has said.

(JP/MH)