The Executive Director of Resources submitted a report seeking approval for an updated Corporate Debt Recovery Policy, which was attached to the report at Appendix 1.

The report noted that the Council’s current Corporate Debt Recovery Policy had been approved by Policy Committee at its meeting on 3 November 2014 (Minute 47 refers) and had enabled all Directorates to have consistent debt recovery processes, and fully understand their role and responsibilities in the process.  The Policy and its Appendices were a compilation of recovery policies relating to outstanding debts raised by various departments across the Council, and had been reviewed in conjunction with all departments to ensure its accuracy and viability.

The report noted that the benefits to the Council of the proposed policy would include achieving the best possible cash flow whilst ensuring that the liability to pay was calculated correctly, providing good financial management and control across the Council, providing a basis for enforcement action to be reasonable, and ensuring that those who were vulnerable were assisted in meeting their financial obligation to the Council.

Resolved -

(1)      That the Corporate Debt Recovery Policy, as set out at Appendix 1, be approved;

(2)      That delegated authority be given to the Chief Finance Officer, in consultation with the relevant Lead Councillor, to make minor amendments to update the Policy and to reflect any service improvements or changes in the future.