Decision details

Policy changes to the collection of council tax

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Decision status: Recommendations Approved

Is Key decision?: Yes

Is subject to call in?: Yes

Purpose:

A report that seeks to change policy with regard to bailiffs and to committal proceedings and to authorise a pilot alternative collection approach.

Decision:

1.    That Cabinet agrees to implement a policy to formally end the use of bailiffs (enforcement agents) relating to the collection of council tax.

 

2.    That Cabinet agrees a policy that no committal proceedings shall be used against any resident who owes council tax. This will mean that, as a matter of policy, the council will not seek to imprison someone for having a council tax debt.

 

3.    That the Cabinet agrees that a pilot on collections and management of council tax arrears (as defined in appendix 1) be commenced with LBHF Joint Ventures Limited and its sub-contractor 1st Credit Limited.

 

4.    That Cabinet agrees funding of up to £80,000 for the pilot with the draw down of this funding delegated to the Strategic Finance Director in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Finance.

 

Report author: Michael Hainge

Publication date: 07/03/2018

Date of decision: 05/03/2018

Decided at meeting: 05/03/2018 - Cabinet

Effective from: 12/03/2018

Accompanying Documents: