The Head of Financial Services has submitted a report to approve the proposed Corporate Debt Management Policy as set out in Appendix 1 of the report.

Recommendation:That the City Executive Board resolves to:

Approve the proposed Corporate Debt Management Policy as set out in Appendix 1.

The Head of Financial Services had submitted a report to approve the proposed Corporate Debt Management Policy as set out in Appendix 1 of the report.

The Board Member for Customer Focused Services introduced the report. The policy sought to strike a fine balance between the proper need to collect monies owed to the Council while, at the same time, doing so in way which took account of the fact that many of those who owed money were vulnerable and in financial difficulties through no fault of their own.  Officers implemented the policy in a pragmatic way dealing  with each case on its merits. It was noteworthy that there were very few complaints about the way in which debt was collected.

The Service Manager Revenue & Benefits said  the team took care to  treat all those from whom money was owed as individuals, seeking to help and advise them where possible.  All of the team’s staff had safeguarding training so they would be alert to any safeguarding issues they might come across in the course of their work. Enforcement was never undertaken unless a bill had been issued.

The Chair thanked the Service Manager Revenue & Benefits for the work of her team which, it was widely recognised, did an excellent and important job in a compassionate way.

The City Executive Board resolved to:

Approve the proposed Corporate Debt Management Policy as set out in Appendix 1 of the report.