Gravesham council taxpayers have been left out of pocket by more than £14,000 after a third of those fined refused to cough up.

Since Gravesham council’s litter enforcement officers first pounded the beat in February, 976 fines have been issued, but 316 people have failed to pay up.

While the council is left to chase the £75 charges, operating firm Kingdom is still paid £45 for each ticket issued, whether money is recouped or not.

This means unpaid fines have cost the Gravesham taxpayer £14,220, according to figures in a council report. The council keeps £30 of every fine paid. Council leader Cllr John Cubitt (Con) defended the financial implications of the project.

He said: “The scheme pays for itself and begins to make a surplus at 60% payment.

“This has been exceeded and the council’s surplus will be used to improve the street scene. There will be more income in due course from court actions.”

Kingdom supplies the officers and also runs similar schemes elsewhere in Kent, including Maidstone.

Currently, a two-man team works 40 hours a week looking out for litter and dog fouling in Gravesend town centre, as well as patrolling Harmer Street, Wrotham Road, Wellington Street, Cobham Street and Darnley Street, which have been highlighted as hotspots for people who put their rubbish sacks out on the wrong days.

Only 22 people out of 316 have been taken to court over non-payment – despite council promises to clamp down on offenders.

Cllr Cubitt said: “This figure is because the court process is slow.

“Make no mistake, we shall be prosecuting those who refuse to pay.

“The scheme is certainly making a difference, and early indications are favourable.

“The feedback the council is getting is that people feel the town is getting tidier.”

When asked if the overall number of fines unpaid was a sign the public did not take the scheme seriously, Cllr Cubitt said: “There is no indication this is the case and payment rates compared to other authorities’ experiences are high.

“The scheme has been widely welcomed.”