Issue - meetings

Executive Summary

This report provides an update on Housing Benefit debt recovery detailing the Councils’ collection performance and debt management arrangements for 2024 – 25.

The report includes a:

• A brief overview of Housing Benefit overpayments
• Housing Benefit Debt Recoveries performance
• Key trends and known risks to performance
• Recommendations of future recovery strategies

Options Considered

To continue with the write-off limits at their current levels.

To continue to recover outstanding debt within the current guidelines.

The implementation of additional recovery methods to maximise recovery options to the Council.

Consultation(s)

No consultation is required as this is a statutory requirement.

Recommendations

(i)             Note the performance of the debt management function carried out by the Benefits service.

(ii)            Note the debt write-offs for the year.

(iii)           Note the emerging impact of Universal Credit on collection levels.

(iv)           To support the implementation of future recovery strategies.

(v)            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 revenue to the Council is maximised.

Background papers

Housing Benefit Overpayment Policy (Appendix 1)

Corporate Debt Management and Recovery Policy

Debt Write Off Policy

Wards Affected

All

Wendy Fredericks

Contact Officer

Trudi Grant, Benefits Manager (01263 516262)

trudi.grant@north-norfolk.gov.uk