Solihull Council wrote off a total of £522,108 in uncollected historic debt during the first quarter of the year, according to the latest figures presented at a cabinet meeting on September 14.
The sum comprises £125,538 signed off by a senior council officer and £396,570 approved by the cabinet portfolio holder for resources, Councillor Dave Pinwell, for debts exceeding £10,000.
Breakdown of officer-approved write-offs
Officer Andrew Felton, the council’s director of resources, authorised write-offs totalling £125,538 between April and June. This included £111,668 in rents and leaseholders, £9,608 in sundry income (items invoiced but no cash received), £3,225 in council tax, and £1,005 in housing benefit overpayments.
A senior council officer can sign off unrecoverable debt below £10,000, with the decision reported back to the cabinet member. The write-offs were detailed in an officer’s report presented at the cabinet portfolio holder for resources decision session on September 14.
Council's approach to debt recovery
Officers wrote in their report: “We take a proactive approach to the collection of monies owed to the council. Where payment is not forthcoming, action to recover debt is taken through the courts and via tracing and collection agents. Where no further action can be taken to recover the outstanding balances, these are considered for write-off.”
Councils across the country often face challenges in recovering debt, with various reasons preventing authorities from collecting the cash owed. The latest figures highlight the ongoing difficulties in debt collection amid economic pressures.
Cabinet member approves larger write-offs
Councillor Dave Pinwell approved the latest debt write-off for debts over £10,000, totalling £396,570. Private details of these larger write-offs are not discussed in the public session of the meeting or included on public papers.
During the meeting, Councillor Jamie Campbell asked: “If there was any help you needed what would it be to improve these metrics? Is there anything more we could do - have you got enough resource?”
Solihull Council officer Louise Lynch replied: “Over the last five or six years collection has changed. We have got the challenges with cost of living, pressure there. Previously we would look to collect 98 per cent within the year, now we have to be more realistic. People might just need longer to pay. I don’t think there is one thing lacking, it's a sign of the times.”
Coun Pinwell added: “I had a look at previous years to compare. Figures are a bit up, a bit down in terms of movement over three years. I think you would regard yourself as on track.”
