Only six Scottish councils managed to meet targets for reducing tenants' rent arrears last year, according to a report.

The figures have brought a warning that most councils are not in control of the problem.

The Audit Commission review featured 31 of Scotland's 32 local authorities as Glasgow City Council was unable to provide "reliable information".

Of the �398m due to the councils, more than �29m was still due in arrears at the end of 2002.

The time to process benefit claims was highlighted

The report also found that while two thirds of councils had made some improvements, rent arrears in the majority remained much higher than the targets.

Accounts Commission chairman Alastair MacNish said: "While there are examples of significant improvements in some councils, the fact that only six have reduced arrears to the target levels demonstrates that the majority of councils are still not in control of this problem.

"These six councils have shown that the targets are achievable and the others need to follow suit.

"I am also concerned that the Glasgow City Council was unable to provide reliable information on tenants' rent arrears for 2001/02.

"In previous year, Glasgow had substantial arrears and this is unlikely to have changed."

Benefit claims

The report confirmed that only Perth and Kinross, Scottish Borders and Orkney Councils achieved the rural target of 3%.

Of the urban councils, North Lanarkshire, South Lanarkshire and Falkirk achieved their 7% target.

The highest level of rent arrears was found in West Dunbartonshire, where 19.2% - or �1.77m - was owed.

The report identified a link between high arrears and the length of time it took to process benefit claims.

The Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (Cosla) said the difficulties in collecting rent arrears had to be recognised.

Alistair Gray, Cosla's housing spokesperson said: "I am first to admit that the levels of achieved rent collection are not ideal, but there are examples of significant improvements in 23 out of Scotland's 32 councils and this must not be overlooked."