Council Tax Support and Debt Recovery

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Dear Southwark Borough Council,

Does the Council employ bailiffs/debt recovery companies to recover outstanding Council Tax debts from residents?

At what level of arrears is action by bailiffs/debt recovery companies triggered – i.e. at what stage are they called in by the Council to recover Council Tax debts and at what financial level?

What procedures are in place regarding timescales/processes for calling in bailiffs/debt recovery companies to take action for outstanding debts?

What procedures are in place to consider complaints against bailiffs/debt recovery companies acting on behalf of the Council?

How many occasions over the last 12 months did the Council call in bailiffs/debt recovery companies to collect outstanding debts? On how many of these occasions was the outstanding debt recovered?

What is the median Council Tax debt amount owed when action by bailiffs/debt recovery companies has been taken in the past 12 months?

Are there set charges made by bailiffs/debt recovery companies, or does the amount charged vary – can you outline what these charges are in each instance?

What is the Council’s position on charging people in full receipt of benefit – is there a minimum charge in place?

Does the Council have hardship scheme/s in place to assist people who have difficulty paying Council Tax – particularly those in full receipt of benefit – if so, please can you outline the details of these detailing levels of support, eligibility and level of take up?

How many evictions has the Council ordered in the last 12 months based on non-payment of Council Tax?

What was the Council’s collection rate for Council Tax owed by Council Tax Support claimants in the last three financial years, set out year by year?

Yours faithfully,

Kerron Cross
Communication and Policy Manager
Hestia Housing & Support
1st & 2nd Floor Maya House, 134-138 Borough High Street
London, SE1 1LB

Hafsa Munshi, Southwark Borough Council

Southwark Council - Information request

Our reference: 493822

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Hafsa Munshi, Southwark Borough Council

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Southwark Council - Information request

Our reference: 493822

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ivanataylor left an annotation ()

Council Tax ex councillor questions Town and District Council

I would like to know if a complaint is actually laid before the Magistrates prior to a summons being issued by the Magistrates for non payment of Council tax?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qw4I2gEt...