Issue - meetings

To approve the Debt Management Policy (report of the Assistant Director – Finance enclosed).

Consideration was given to the report of the Assistant Director – Finance, which requested approval of the Debt Management Policy.

DECISION:

1)    That the continuation of the refreshed Debt Management Policy be approved; and

2)    That delegated authority be given to the Section 151 Officer, in conjunction with the Portfolio Holder for Finance, Commercialisation and Partnerships, to undertake future review and changes to the Debt Management Policy.

(Other options considered:

·         Do nothing – this option was rejected as it is timely for the policy to be formally reviewed and its continuation re-approved.

Reasons for decision:

·         The continuation of the Debt Management Policy will ensure that South Holland District Council demonstrates a clear and transparent position in respect of its approach to the management of debt; and

·         Delegation for reviewing and updating the policy will enable a responsive and efficient approach to policy maintenance).

To consider the Debt Management Policy (report of the Assistant Director – Finance enclosed).

Consideration was given to the report of the Assistant Director – Finance, Commercialisation and Partnerships to consider the Debt Management Policy.

The Head of Revenues and Benefits (PSPS) introduced the report and stated that the review of current Debt Management Policy, in place since 2017, had brought forward five changes which were stipulated in the report at point 2.2.

Members welcomed the proposed changes, in particular:

• the inclusion of guidance and support for people experiencing financial difficulties by the signposting of debt counselling services, including through the website, as specified at point 2.2 (ii); and
• that when appropriate, the authority ultimately had the powers to recoup monies owed more quickly through deductions from earnings, as specified at point 2.2 (iii)

Members sought clarification of the process for claiming the £150 Council Tax energy rebate.

• The Head of Revenue and Benefits (PSPS) confirmed that the majority of rebates had been paid directly to bank accounts. This was possible where a direct debit was set up with the Council and the bank account could be validated. Where payment by this method was not possible, households would shortly receive correspondence which invited applications for rebate claims to be made online or by phone. The deadline for payments was September 2022.

AGREED:

a)    That the Panel recommended that Cabinet approve the continuation of the refreshed Debt Management Policy; and

b)    That the Panel recommended that Cabinet approve the delegation of future review and changes to the Section 151 Officer, in conjunction with the Portfolio Holder for Finance, Commercialisation and Partnerships.