LOCAL authorities in the region are failing to collect millions of pounds in council tax, according to union figures.

The GMB said the total amount not collected by the 23 councils in the North-East in the past financial year was £28.2m.

In the Yorkshire and Humberside region, York City Council failed to collect £3.7m in outstanding taxes.

But nearby Ryedale District Council was rated impressive as it collected all but £283,000 of the £20.6m due.

In the North-East, Newcastle City Council was the worst offender, with £3.1m in uncollected council tax, and Gates-head Council close behind after failing to claim £2.7m.

Other authorities in the regional top ten were Sunderland, Stockton, North Tyneside, Redcar and Cleveland, Middlesbrough, Sedgefield, Hartlepool and Blyth Valley.

Birmingham topped the national league of authorities, with £12m outstanding.

The Isles of Scilly had the least amount, at only £19,000.

GMB senior official Paul Kenny said: "If the councils could collect this money they could fund repair of council houses, build more affordable housing and improve services.

"Councils need to examine what changes are needed. For example, does the law and the tax system need to be changed to make landlords liable for the council tax levied on their properties?"

Earlier this month, Hartlepool Borough Council hit back at the GMB's criticism of its collection system, saying it continued to track down money well into the following financial year.