Decision details

The Cabinet considered a report of the Director of Finance seeking approval to the adoption of the proposed Corporate Debt Policy and Debt Recovery policy for Adult Social Care Debt. It was reported that the collection of Council Tax and Non-Domestic Rates (also known business rates) was a statutory responsibility of Oldham Council. The collection of sundry debts and commercial rent arrears, whilst not a statutory responsibility, were imperative to maintaining and maximising the Council’s revenue stream. In undertaking income and debt recovery it was inevitable that the Council would be required to pursue the recovery of arrears from residents and businesses that may have trouble in paying. The policy aimed to set out how the Council manages and collects debts to ensure consistency and best practice in such situations.

The purpose of the proposed Debt Recovery polices was to establish:

• The best practice principles for charging our residents and businesses and the methods of payment which will be used.
• How the Council would deal with debt, should problems arise in collection.

The proposed policies would apply to all debt and income due to the Council excluding Parking fines.

Options/Alternatives considered:

Option 1 -Approve the Corporate Debt Policy and Debt Recovery policy for Adult Social Care Debt.

Option 2 Do Nothing

Resolved - That the proposed Debt Recovery Policies detailed in the report be approved.