Decision details

The Cabinet will be asked to consider writing-off outstanding debts, as detailed in the exempt appendices.

(The Cabinet recommended this decision be made by the Portfolio Holder for Resources and Performance)

Resolved:

That the write-off of the amounts detailed in the exempt Appendices to Report number CAB/WS/21/023, be approved, as follows:

1.           Exempt Appendix 1: Council Tax totalling £22,480.28

2.           Exempt Appendix 2: Business Rates totalling £34,962.30.

The total amounts detailed in the decision have been written-off. The detailed reasons for the decisions are included in Exempt Appendices 1 and 2 to Report Number CAB/WS/21/023.

There was an extensive and supportive recovery process prior to the engagement of an Enforcement Agency.  The Council currently used the services of the ARP Enforcement Agency to assist in the collection of business rates and Council Tax and also had on-line tracing facilities.  Although this service was suspended during the lock-down and up to more recently, enforcement was now reinstated in line with Government guidance.  It was not considered appropriate to pass the debts on to another agency.

It should be noted that in the event that a written-off debt became recoverable, the amount was written back on and enforcement procedures were re-established.