Hackney Council has sent letters to 19 councillors in the last five years “reminding” them about council tax arrears – but won’t say who they are.

The figures, revealed following an FOI request, show two councillors were sent notices of late payments last year, down on four in the previous 12 months.

The town hall refused to name those involved, saying the required “valid and strong grounds” to override taxpayers’ confidentiality were not met.

Ian Williams, group director of finance, said a “reminder” letter alone was not deemed enough to stop councillors voting on financial matters, including council tax setting, adding that court summonses were not required in any cases.