Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services.

The report details write offs of low level amounts for the period 1 April 2015 to 30 September 2015.

The Audit Committee is asked to note and comment upon the information provided and confirm if it wishes to continue to receive this report.

Officer Contact: Alison Blount on Tel: 0161 474 5107 or email: alison.blount@stockport.gov.uk.

A representative of the Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing write offs of low level debt amounts for the period 1 April 2015 to 30 September 2015.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         The review of Council Tax and Business Rates arrears in 2015/16 remained on-going and a new write off policy would be submitted to the next meeting of the Committee;

·         Members wished to consider the new policy before deciding on whether to continue to receive the Debt Write Off report;

·         The Authority used an external tracing agency to trace debtors who utilised a variety of sources;

·         The Department for Work and Pensions database could be used to track down housing benefit debts;

·         Methods of tracing debtors also included checking the electoral register and applications for credit;

·         Councillors suggested that consideration be given to the possibility of writing off some of the debts in excess of £500 in order to deliver a balanced budget.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.