Issue - items at meetings - Income Collection & Recovery 2007/08

Report of the Director of Finance & Resources (copy attached).

1.     That the contents of the report be noted.

26.1       The Cabinet Member considered a report of The Director of Finance & Resources on income collection and recovery performance for 2007/08 as at quarter 4 (March 2008).  The report highlighted improvement and best practice actions.  The quarterly reports would ensure that the Cabinet Member for Finance was aware of the Council’s current performance and arrangements for continually improving income collection and recovery (for copy see minute book).

26.2       The Cabinet Member stressed the strong focus on income collection and recovery and was pleased to report that the two services had achieved Charter Mark Status.  The services would help those in severe hardship but be tough on those people who don’t pay.

26.3       The Opposition Spokesperson referred to paragraph 3.5 relating to BVPI 79bii Housing Benefit overpayments recovered as a percentage of the total amount of HB overpayment debt outstanding.  He asked if this related to overpayments made to council tenants only or covered all categories of housing benefit claimants.  The Assistant Director, Financial Services confirmed that it related to all categories of claimants.

26.4       The Opposition Spokesperson referred to paragraph 8.5 in relation to Risk and Opportunity Management Implications.  He asked if the risk assessment was a one off exercise or carried out on a continuous basis.  The Assistant Director, Financial Services replied that it was carried out on an annual basis.  Officers reviewed all budgets across the council.   The Director of Finance & Resources confirmed that in addition to the annual review, officers could review individual budgets at any point, if there were concerns.

26.5       RESOLVED – That having considered the information and the reasons set out in the report, the Cabinet Member accepted the following recommendation:

(1)       That the contents of the report be noted.