Just months after consumer watchdogs criticised debt recovery practices in a number of councils up and down the UK, Thurrock Council’s Fair Debt Policy has been sent back for further scrutiny after it was found to be not up to scratch.
The Essex-based council was forced to defend itself last April after the Thurrock Citizens Advice Bureau voiced concerns over the use of bailiffs to recover council tax from residents with debt problems.
The CAB criticised the council over other “questionable methods” used to recoup tax arrears from some of the area’s most vulnerable residents, such as using threats of court action or bankruptcy to make them pay what they owe.
A report on the issue was produced, which cited the example of a woman with mental health problems who was repeatedly sent text messages and notices from bailiffs over tax arrears, whilst the council threatened court action. The CAB warned on two occasions that the woman was vulnerable and that she was having serious difficulty in managing her finances.
In response to criticism, Thurrock Council’s Fair Debt Policy is to be referred back to the corporate overview and scrutiny committee in order for improvements to be made. Councillor Robert Gledhill, who sits on the committee, said:
“Every resident who is liable to pay money to the council should pay it on time and a vast majority do.
“However, for those who don’t, the council has to collect monies owed without adding unnecessary cost to residents who can’t pay or can just pay a little late.
“Unfortunately the proposed policy didn’t meet those criteria and would have left the council at risk of compensation claims and unnecessary risk of extra costs.”
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