Issue - meetings
Housing Benefit Debt Recovery Report - 1st April 2023 to 31st March 2024
Meeting: 08/07/2024 - Cabinet (Item 12)
12 Housing Benefit Debt Recovery Report - 1st April 2023 to 31st March 2024 
PDF 724 KB
|
|
This report provides an update on Housing Benefit debt recovery detailing the council’s collection performance and debt management arrangements for 2023 – 24.
Previously this information was part of the Revenues Corporate Debt Recovery report. However, it is now being presented as a standalone item. This allows the Benefits Team to demonstrate it takes ownership of, and is accountable for its performance, and it can also demonstrate service improvements.
The report includes a:
§ A summary of the work undertaken by the team. § Housing Benefit Debt Recoveries performance. § A summary of overpayment levels and recovery type. § Known risks to performance.
|
|
Options Considered |
To continue with the write-off limits at their current levels. To continue to recover outstanding debt within the current legislative guidelines.
|
|
Consultation(s) |
No consultation required as this is a statutory requirement.
|
|
To approve the annual report giving details of Housing Benefit Overpayment debt recovery in accordance with the Council’s Debt Recovery Policy, Write-Off Policy, and Housing Benefit Overpayment Recovery Policy.
|
|
|
Reasons for recommendations |
Recommendation is to approve the annual report in relation to Housing Benefit Overpayment recovery and to approve the continued use of legislated recovery methods to ensure income maximisation for the council.
|
|
Background papers |
Housing Benefit Overpayment Policy (Appendix 1) Corporate Debt Management and Recovery Policy Debt Write Off Policy Enforcement Agent Code of Practice Enforcement Agent Instructions (Please refer to the Corporate Debt Recovery Report appendices for copies). |
|
All |
|
|
|
Wendy Fredericks
|
|
Contact Officer |
Trudi Grant, Benefits Manager (01263 516262) trudi.grant@north-norfolk.gov.uk
|
|
Links to key documents:
|
|
|
Corporate Plan: |
N/A |
|
Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) |
This report is linked to the Corporate Plan under A Strong, Responsible and Accountable Council.
We will ensure the Council maintains a financially sound position, seeking to make best use of its staff resources, effective partnership working and maximising the opportunities of external funding and income. |
|
Council Policies & Strategies |
Corporate Debt Management and Recovery Policy, and Debt Write Off Policy |
Additional documents:
Decision:
Decision
RESOLVED to recommend to Full Council:
To approve the annual report giving details of Housing Benefit Overpayment debt recovery in accordance with the Council’s Debt Recovery Policy, Write-Off Policy, and Housing Benefit Overpayment Recovery Policy.
Reason for the recommendation:
Recommendation is to approve the annual report in relation to Housing Benefit Overpayment recovery and to approve the continued use of legislated recovery methods to ensure income maximisation for the council.
Minutes:
Cllr W Fredericks, Portfolio Holder for Housing & Benefits introduced this item. She thanked officers for their hard work in supporting residents in financial distress. She said that this had increased in recent months with housing benefit not reaching rent levels in the district. The process would change once universal credit came into force and it would then be harder to reclaim any housing benefit overpayments.
The report set out a summary of the work undertaken by the team, including housing benefit debt recoveries performance, a summary of overpayment levels and recovery type and known risks to performance.
It was proposed by Cllr W Fredericks, seconded by Cllr H Blathwayt and
RESOLVED to recommend to Full Council:
To approve the annual report giving details of Housing Benefit Overpayment debt recovery in accordance with the Council’s Debt Recovery Policy, Write-Off Policy, and Housing Benefit Overpayment Recovery Policy.
Reason for the recommendation:
Recommendation is to approve the annual report in relation to Housing Benefit Overpayment recovery and to approve the continued use of legislated recovery methods to ensure income maximisation for the council.