BUSINESSES who have not paid their fair share of almost £1/4million in non-domestic rates have been named and shamed by council bosses.

A new policy reveals firms who owe tax to the government after the decision to name offending businesses was approved by councillors last year.

The first firms were revealed this month on West Dunbartonshire Council’s website. There are 14 in total, though three share the same company name, Hometrends Carpets and Beds Ltd, in three different units of Lomond Galleries in Alexandria.

A total of £137,784.15 is owed for 2018/19 and £222,539.26 across all years.

The largest debt is owed by Rouge Scot Ltd in Clydebank, owing more than £24,000 last year and nearly £68,000 total.

All the businesses named, except for Hometrends Carpets and Beds, are in Clydebank.

In a statement on the council’s website, it states: “The businesses named below have failed to pay their NDRs as at January 25, 2019 and the council has been granted a summary warrant for recovery of the outstanding debts.

“These businesses have received the NDR bill, a reminder/final notice and also the summary warrant which provides information on how to pay, reductions, reliefs and contact details to discuss any difficulties in making payments.

“This would allow businesses to make a suitable repayment arrangement as the council is aware of the financial difficulties involved in running a business and can provide assistance and/or support.”