Consideration was given to the joint report of the Portfolio Holder for Finance and Executive Director, Commercialisation (S151) which recommended writing off irrecoverable debts.
Members noted that the report contained a breakdown of the individual debts within Appendices A – E, which were not for publication by virtue of Paragraphs 1 (Information relating to any individual), 2 (Information which is likely to reveal the identity of any individual) and 3 (Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information).
Councillor P E Coupland reported that the write offs were 42% down compared with the first six months of the year.
Members agreed that only the principles of the report would be discussed and there was therefore no need for the meeting to go into private session.
DECISION:
That the following debts be written off:
Council Tax £2,192.78
Business Rates £1,366.19
Accounts Receivable £7,495.08
Former Tenant Arrears £17,420.78
Housing Benefit Overpayments £1,551.59
Total: £30,026.42
(Other options considered:
· Do nothing; or
· Approve the recommendations with amendments
Reasons for decision:
· All recovery methods available had been considered and where appropriate pursued before making the decision to write off.)