Agenda item

(a)  That the Corporate Debt Recovery Policy set out in appendix A to the report be approved.

(b)  That delegated authority be given to the Executive Director Finance and Commercial (Section 151 Officer) to make minor amendments in consultation with the Lead Member, to allow for the Policy to updated and to take account of any future service improvements or legislative changes.

The Lead Member for Financial Oversight & Council Assets introduced a report that sought approval for a new Corporate Debt Management Policy.

The Council did not currently have a corporate policy in place that would ensure consistent debt management processes across the authority.  The policy had been designed to take account of best practice and would be beneficial in achieving the best possible cash flow for the Council whilst ensuring liability was calculated correctly.  The Council had a duty to collect debt and take enforcement action where reasonable.  The overarching policy would then be supported by procedures and processes for specific types of debt and this approach was supported by Commissioners.

Lead Members noted that the policy would help ensure vulnerable people were assisted in meeting their financial obligations, and it was recognised that this was important as prompt collection avoided higher levels of debt being accumulated.  It was therefore in the interests of all parties for the authority to have effective and efficient debt management practices in place along with the appropriate support for residents and businesses who may experience financial difficulties.

At the conclusion of the discussion, the Cabinet approved the recommendation.

Resolved –

(a)  That the Corporate Debt Management Policy set out in appendix A to the report be approved.

(b)  That delegated authority be given to the Executive Director Finance and Commercial (Section 151 Officer) to make minor amendments in consultation with the Lead Member, to allow for the Policy to updated and to take account of any future service improvements or legislative changes.