WITH reference to the article (LT, September 11) headed Council tax cheats owe £6million.

May I state at the outset that not all the debtors are cheats. Some people are in genuine financial difficulties because of the increased cost of living and general economic situation.

May I suggest that the local authorities listed in your article publish the names of people who are making no effort to pay their council tax.

I see no point in fining persistent debtors, many fines levied for all manner of misdemeanours never get paid and if people are prosecuted and sent to prison there is less likelihood of council tax being paid.

I believe the old custom of naming and shaming might produce some results.

I am uncertain about the law appertaining to naming and shaming, but local authorities should give this consideration – writing debts off is not fair to good payers who often struggle to meet their financial obligations.

MR R SMITH, New Bank Road, Blackburn.