MILLIONS more in business taxes from Dumbarton and the Vale could flow into council coffers if the local authority names and shames firms for not paying up.

Councillors will vote on a plan this week on whether West Dunbartonshire Council should call out companies who haven’t paid non-domestic rates (NDR).

Also known as business rates, the council collected 98.36 per cent in 2017/18 - on the current bill for £87million, that leaves £1.43m potentially lost this year.

Councillors previously raised the possibility of naming the businesses who don’t pay up.

Stephen West, strategic lead for resources, and the council’s chief financial officer, said: “Often companies we are chasing are dissolved or go into administration then re-appear almost immediately. The practice is often referred to as ‘Phoenix companies’ and allows the owners to avoid unpaid bills.

“Councillors have previously asked officers to consider how best to tackle this practice and our recommendation is now going to committee to see if it meets their aspirations.”

In a report to the corporate services committee on August 22, councillors will be told there is nothing legally to stop officials publishing the name, type of business, address, period of default and total amount due.

Because of current legislation, the details would likely take 10 months to publish after the first instalment date.

Council bosses would have to ensure all steps were taken to obtain the money before naming firms, with the plan to update the list every month.

There would be a dedicated website with the information for the public to judge who is failing to contribute their fair share.

The report to councillors states: “Over the years there have been issues with companies not paying NDR charges and the council eventually having to write these off following all available diligence routes to recover the debt.

“Such businesses may gain a competitive advantage over other similar businesses which do pay.”

Non-domestic rates are based on a property’s rated value and the money is pooled in a national central fund, then a grant is given to each local authority as part of the annual budget.