Burnley Council is considering scrapping its in-house bailiffs and instead use private contractors to collect debts.
The move, which is expected to save around £40,000 a year, would bring it in-line with other local authorities in Lancashire. The service is being reviewed following new legislation due to come into effect from April which will change how councils can collect debts.
Cllr Mark Townsend, the council’s executive member for resources and performance management, said: ‘The changes in national legislation means we’ve had to review our bailiff service. Specialist debt recovery companies have more resources and are able to provide a service that better meets the requirements of the new rules.
‘We will work with our new partners to make sure they operate in a way that’s acceptable to the council so that debts are collected but people are treated fairly, professionally and appropriately.
‘I accept that people are finding finances tough in these difficult times but the council is also under a duty to those that do pay their bills to recover money owed from those that don’t.’
