Issue - meetings

To receive the Corporate Debt Write-off report.

Appendices 1, 2 and 3 are exempt.

Council:

1)    NOTED the action taken by the Council to recover outstanding debts.

2)    AUTHORISED the Chief Finance Officer to write off the debts shown in Appendices 1, 2 and 3.

The Portfolio Holder for Corporate Finance, Property and Resources, Councillor Cox, introduced the report and moved the recommendations. Councillor Allnatt seconded the motion.

It was noted that out of all the Leicestershire Authorities, the Council is rated first in relation to Council Tax and Business Rates collection. In addition, it was clarified that arrears have been reduced.

It was clarified that the Council has a 99.5% collection rate for rent.

Following a query, it was clarified that the Council are assisting residents to ensure that Council Tax arrears don’t become too high. Also, if a resident requires more holistic assistance, then the Council would refer them to Me and My Learning.

RESOLVED

That Council:

1)    NOTED the action taken by the Council to recover outstanding debts.

2)    AUTHORISED the Chief Finance Officer to write off the debts shown in Appendices 1, 2 and 3.

(Key decision)

Reasons for recommendations

All recovery methods have been considered and where appropriate pursued, before recommending that debts are written off.

Officer time can be maximised on greater returns, focusing on debts where there is more realistic chance of recovery.