Decision details

Following consideration of a report of the Deputy Chief Executive (S151), the Corporate Manager of Revenues, Benefits & Recovery and the Principal Revenues and Benefits Officer, the Audit Committee had recommended that the updated Corporate Recovery Policy be approved.

The Cabinet Member for Finance outlined the contents of the report stating that the fully updated policy reflected the new legislation which was due to come into effect in May 2021 and provided a more consistent approach for recovery of debt across the Council, it also provided a focus on assessing financial vulnerability and vulnerability in general.

RESOLVED that the revised policy be approved.

(Proposed by Cllr B A Moore and seconded by Cllr C R Slade)

Reasons for the decision:

·         The policy will help to enforce and recover c£82m in local taxation and sundry debts. Failure to use a consistent approach could have a detrimental effect on budgets and delivery of services.

·         The policy sets the framework for a consistent and sensitive approach to collecting debt whilst at the same time ensuring that the Council continues to maximise income collection and arrears recovery performance.

·         This policy should ensure that each debtor is treated fairly and minimises then risk of legal challenge

·         There is a potential reputational risk should the policy not be adhered to.

·         Maximising income for the Council is essential particularly during current financially challenging years. It is important to have a policy that is clear and transparent to ensure any recovery action is timely and proportionate.

Note: * Report previously circulated; copy attached to the minutes.