Issue - meetings

To submit a report by the Head of Function (Resources)/Section 151 Officer.

It was resolved to approve the Corporate Debt Policy as presented.

The report of the Head of Function (Resources)/Section 151 Officer seeking the Executive’s approval for the Corporate Debt Policy as appended was presented for consideration.

The Portfolio Member for Finance reported that the policy presented for the Executive’s approval details at page 3 the principles to be adopted by the Isle of Anglesey County Council in the collection of debts owed to the Council. The Portfolio Member read out the principles as listed and highlighted the importance of the Council having a clear and agreed approach to debt collection which enables it to address the various debts owed and to deal appropriately with individuals/businesses who are in debt to the Council.

The Head of Function (Resources)/Section 151 Officer agreed that in the current difficult financial climate having a process in place to recover debt is important recognising also that some individuals may be finding it difficult to pay and may need help in meeting their financial obligations whilst others may be classed as vulnerable and will need to be treated with sensitivity and discretion. The Council will therefore operate a supportive approach to debt recovery which meets the needs of individuals and offers signposting to independent support agencies. The Policy explains the principles that will be applied in the recovery of all debt and the additional procedural policies will provide more details on arrangements for collecting debt in each of the specific areas. In addition, the Council has for some time been working on improving its processes for making payments including facilitating payments in advance and enabling individuals to set up their own direct debits to pay Council Tax, and to apply for discounts and exemptions online. Making administrative processes more efficient so that people can do more for themselves will allow the Council to focus more on debt recovery.

The Executive in accepting the policy noted specifically that it makes provision for individuals who may be in financial difficulties and struggling to pay and signposts them to organisations which can offer further advice and support, which it welcomed.

It was resolved to approve the Corporate Debt Policy as presented.