An MP has said the number of council tax summonses being issued is "concerning" after more than 13,000 were sent out in Southampton last year.

A freedom of information request revealed that Southampton City Council issued 13,522 summonses regarding non-payment of council tax in 2022.

This figure is higher than in 2021 when the council issued 10,042 with 6,960 summons issued so far this year.

The council has said the number of summonses issued has decreased over the last 11 years.

But Conservative MP for Southampton Itchen, Royston Smith has said the figures are "concerning", calling for the council to do more to recover unpaid taxes.

READ MORE: Southampton: Council plans to cut services and hike charges

A summons is issued by the Magistrates Court when a resident does not pay their share of council tax after three reminders and a final notice.

When it is issued the cost of this is applied to the final bill and if they don’t pay for the full amount they will have to attend court.

Figures also show that 10,755 notice of liability orders were sent out in 2022.

The order gives the council powers to recover the outstanding debt by deducting money from earnings, and benefits or placing charging orders on a property.

Daily Echo: Royston Smith MPRoyston Smith MP

Royston Smith said: “I am aware that for many people it is difficult to afford Council Tax, but given the Council's current financial difficulties, it must do better to recover unpaid taxes and spend taxpayers’ money carefully.

“The government has a substantial support package for the most vulnerable for 2023/24 and is providing £1bn of extra funding by extending the Household Support Fund, with £4.4m going to [the city council].

“A balance must be struck to support people who are struggling, but the council have a duty to taxpayers to ensure their finances are in good shape.”

A spokesperson for the council said the authority issued 21,826 summonses in 2013-14 adding that the figures are returning to pre-pandemic levels.

They added: "We engage residents early in our recovery process and have added prompts for late or non-payment via text or email before issuing official reminders.

"In 2019-20 we issued a total number of 16,177 summons. No summons were issued in 2020-21 and our recovery action was placed on hold as a result of COVID-19.

"The number of summons being issued is now returning to just below pre-COVID-19 numbers.”

But Jonathan Eida, researcher of the TaxPayers' Alliance, called this the “grim result” of “huge” council tax rises in Southampton.

He said: "While some late payments may be simple criminality, there is a growing number of residents genuinely grappling with the cost of living.

"The council should give households a breather and freeze rates."