Decision details

To note work done to date and agree the corporate debt recovery policy

RESOLVED:  That

(1)               the changes to the Corporate Debt Recovery Policy be agreed and adopted;

(2)               Council Debt Recovery Services update their individual debt policies to reflect the principles of the Corporate Debt Recovery Policy by 1 April 2014.

Reason for Decision: The Corporate Debt Policy was implemented in 2009.  Issues were raised by Councillors at the Overview and Scrutiny Committee regarding the need for debt recovery services to recognise vulnerability within the collection processes.  These concerns prompted an extensive review of the Corporate Debt Policy.   

The review was carried out by working with both an internal officer group representing all Council Services and an external multi-agency sub group that included representation from the Citizens’ Advice Bureau (CAB), Harrow Association of Disabled People (HAD), Age UK Harrow, Harrow Mencap and Newlyns and Chandlers Bailiffs and Council Debt Recovery Services. 

The policy had also been shaped through feedback from a public consultation carried out from 30 September 2013 to 24 November 2013.  To allow all Council Debt Recovery Services to update their policies to reflect the principles of the Corporate policy.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:  As set out in the report.

Conflict of Interest relating to the matter declared by Cabinet Member / Dispensation Granted:  None.