Agenda item

Report of the Managing Director and Director of Economic Growth and Neighbourhood Services

The Cabinet Member with the Efficiency and Resources Portfolio introduced the report of the Managing Director and the Director of Economic Growth and Neighbourhood Services (previously circulated) seeking approval from Cabinet for the write-off of former Housing tenant rent arrears, Housing Benefit overpayments, Non-Domestic Rates, Council Tax and Sundry Debtor invoices with individual values greater than £500 that are considered to be irrecoverable.

Particular references were made to the need for more information as to the ‘other reasons’ for the writing off of Housing Benefit overpayments and on the way the recoverable debts information was recorded.

RESOLVED - That a total amount of £77,315 of former Housing tenant arrears, £262,305of Housing Benefit overpayments, £1,017,702 of Non-Domestic Rates and Council Tax, and £155,749 of Sundry Debtor invoices be written-off, subject to steps for recovery being taken, wherever possible, if and when contact is made.

REASONS – (a)  It is considered all practical steps have been made to recover the debts.

(b)  To enable the Council’s accounts to be maintained in accordance with the Financial Procedure Rules.