HYNDBURN Council hit squads targeting tenants who have fallen behind with their rents have cut debts by nearly half.

The tough action has also included chasing arrears through the courts.

In the 1999-2000 financial year tenants owed the council £333,025 in arrears. But in 2001-2002 this figure was cut to £197,110 -- a reduction of 40 per cent.

Councillor Russell Davies, Portfolio Holder for Social Housing, said the savings had been achieved largely by housing officers spending more of their time on Hyndburn's council estates, knocking on doors and tackling arrears.

He added: "Over the last financial year the efforts of my housing colleagues have been focused on reducing the amount of rent owed by our tenants.

"The amount of arrears owed by former tenants is also less than in previous years."

He said the cuts had also been achieved by:

Giving tenants swipe cards so they can pay rent at post offices and even in shops.

Ensuring they were fully informed about the housing and other welfare benefits to which they might be entitled, in a bid to reduce poverty.

Increased training for staff.

Closer monitoring of arrears cases.

Better communication with tenants.

Coun Davies said that following a recommendation made by the council's best value inspection team the collection rate from former tenants had also been successful in reducing debts.

"In 2001-2002 we collected £33,100 in cash, which exceeded our target of £30,000. When people move on we are taking swift action to encourage them to pay and we are increasingly using private agencies around the country to recover debt," he added.

The council is also actively pursuing former tenants' arrears through the courts with help from the council's legal services section, Councillor Davies said.