Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Executive Councillor (Support & Governance)

This report sets out the background to the review of the Corporate Debt Recovery Policy document and provides a recommended new document for publication. The Council’s policy documents relating to the recovery of debt have been in place for some time. In light of recent changes to Enforcement legislation it is considered appropriate to review the existing policies to reflect the new legislation and emerging best practice.

The Executive is asked to approve the Corporate Debt Recovery Policy document attached at appendix 1 of the report.

Officer contact: Alison Blount, 0161 474 5107, alison.blount@stockport.gov.uk

The Executive Councillor (Support & Governance) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive to consider a revised Corporate Debt Recovery Policy that had been reviewed following legislative changes and consideration of council tax collection processes by a cross-party working group of councillors.

The Executive Councillor thanked those councillors who had participated in the Council Tax Collection Working Group.

RESOLVED – That the Corporate Debt Recovery Policy document attached at appendix 1 of the report be approved.

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

The purpose of this report is to set out a revised policy statement on debt recovery strategies.

The Council’s Corporate Debt Recovery Code Policy statement provides a framework for maximising income collection and is designed to be firm but fair by ensuring that debtors

·         Are given sufficient time and opportunity to contact the Council in cases where they are having difficulty paying;

·         Are encouraged to seek independent advice and to apply for relevant reductions /benefits;

·         Understand the consequences of failing to either make contact or bring

·         their account up to date ;and

·         Are only referred to a higher level of enforcement when all alternative

·         Arrangements and recovery options have been exhausted.

The report will be considered by the Executive at its meeting on 16 February 2016.

The Scrutiny Committee is invited to comment on the Corporate Debt Recovery Policy document which is attached at appendix 1.

The Corporate Director, Corporate and Support Services submitted a report (Copies of which had been circulated) setting out a revised policy statement on debt recovery strategies.

The Council’s Corporate Debt Recovery Code Policy statement provided a framework for maximising income collection and is designed to be firm but fair by ensuring that debtors:

·         Are given sufficient time and opportunity to contact the Council in cases where they are having difficulty paying;

·         Are encouraged to seek independent advice and to apply for relevant reductions /benefits;

·         Understand the consequences of failing to either make contact or bring their account up to date ;and

·         Are only referred to a higher level of enforcement when all alternative

·         Arrangements and recovery options have been exhausted.

It was reported that the Recovery Policy would be considered by the Executive at its meeting on 16 February 2016.

The Deputy Executive Leader and Portfolio holder for Support & Governance (Councillor Iain Roberts) attended the meeting to respond to questions from the Scrutiny Committee.

The Scrutiny committee noted the outcome of the recent review of recovery policies and practices by the Council Tax Collection Task and Finish Group.

RESOLVED – That the Corporate Debt Recovery Policy document as set out in appendix 1 to the report be noted.