Issue - meetings

To consider the action taken by Officers with respect to the write off of debts during the second quarter of 2012/13 and to note the profile of outstanding debt.

(Report attached)

Members considered the quarterly report detailing the action taken in relation to the write off of debts and the collection of outstanding debt.

The Committee was heartened to see that the level of debt from previous years was falling consistently quarter by quarter. There was some concern that the introduction of Universal Credits would have an adverse impact on these figures and Members questioned whether there was a contingency in place. Officers confirmed that no such contingency existed at the present time but that Members would be required to make a judgement on the level of bad debt provision in due course. In addition, a report was due to be submitted to the January meeting outlining plans for providing crisis loans to local residents.

It was stated that the Citizen’s Advice Bureau had not yet made any approaches to the Council for additional grant funding for an increased workload. It was hoped that Council Officers might be equipped with the necessary skills to pick up some of the expected burden.

RESOLVED that

the contents of the report be noted.