Laura Sharman 23 November 2017

London borough to stop using bailiffs to chase debt

Bailiffs will no longer be used to collect council tax debt under a new joint venture launched by Hammersmith & Fulham Council.

The council will partner with 1st Credit from April 2018 to help improve the treatment of those who owe money to the council.

As well as ending the use of debt collector for council tax, the partnership also aims to reduce the number of cases that end up in court.

The council’s cabinet member for finance, cllr Max Schmid, said: ‘Heavy handed debt collection in the public sector is counter-productive: court action, bailiffs and lawyers all cost money, and can create high levels of stress and anxiety in families that find themselves in debt.

‘We are determined to offer an ethical approach to debt management that both helps residents at risk of falling into debt and saves money for taxpayers at a time of massive funding cuts from central government.’

The joint venture - H&F Ethical Debt Collections - has already started taking over collections in the borough, beginning with former tenant arrears and housing benefit overpayments.

This month, a charity warned the number of bailiffs being used by councils to collect debts has risen by 14% in the last two years.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Revenues and Benefits Administration Officer

West Northamptonshire Council
£26914 - £27781
The Revenues and Benefits Administration Officer at West Northamptonshire Council provides essential administrative support across the Revenues and Benefits team. The role involves managing emails, indexing documents, raising orders and supporting financi Northampton
Recuriter: West Northamptonshire Council

Strategic Commissioning Manager (Markets Team Manager)

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Negotiable
Drive real change in your community - shape the future of careDrive real change in your community - shape the future of careAt the Royal Borough of Ke England, London, City of London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Social Worker - Family Finding, Adoption Mid Essex

Essex County Council
£34902.0000 - £50081.0000 per annum
Social Worker - Family Finding, Adoption Mid EssexPermanent, Full Time£34,902 to £50,081 per annum Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Sheltered Housing Officer

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
£33291 - £34291 per annum
Support residents to live independently in safe, welcoming homes - making every day easier, safer and more connected.Support residents to live indepen England, London, City of London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Team Leader

Durham County Council
Grade 8 £32,597 - £36,363
Salary
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner