Vulnerable clients and council tax

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Dear South Staffordshire District Council,
Could you please forward to me any procedures,policies, documents relating to how SSDC ensure that vulnerable clients involved with Bristow and Sutor (re council tax arrears) are protected. Also what procedures, policies or documents are in place to guarantee that the bailiff company employed by SSDC adhere to the legislation involved in the collection of council tax arrears?

Yours faithfully,

Jacqui Pope

Richards, Tracey, South Staffordshire District Council

Dear Ms Pope,

The contract between South Staffordshire Council and Bristow and Sutor
provides for ensuring that all customers receive an effective and
efficient service, and when vulnerable clients are involved an enhanced
approach is adopted. As previously detailed, due to the commercially
confidential information that is included in the contract, I am unable
to provide you with a copy of the contract. The contract provides a
procedure that is to be followed if any complaints are received by South
Staffordshire Council in respect of the action taken by Bristow & Sutor.

It is only if we are made aware of specific concerns or complaints from
our residents regarding the provision of the service provided by Bristow
& Sutor that we are able to investigate them and discuss the issue with
both the customer and the bailiff company. If you have an example of
involvement with the bailiffs which you feel was not dealt with
appropriately then please contact me in order that I may investigate the
matter further.

Yours sincerely,

Tracey Richards

Revenues and Benefits Manager

Revenues And Benefits
South Staffordshire Council

Tel: 01902 696622

Have you visited our website? http://www.sstaffs.gov.uk

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