Decision details

The Cabinet will be asked to approve proposals relating to the introduction of a ‘payment by instalment’ policy which would give residents choice over how they pay the Council for goods and services, as a means of supporting those in financial hardship.

Cabinet resolved to:

(i)  Agree to the introduction of a Payment By Instalments policy on the terms set out in the report;

(ii)  Agree that the following services shall qualify under the policy:

·  Dropped kerbs;

·  Funerals;

·  Hire of halls;

·  Hire of pitches;

·  Registrars.

(iii)  Agree that the policy shall only apply to residents of Barking and Dagenham;

(iv)  Agree the financial arrangements that shall be applied under the policy, as detailed in paragraph 4.5 of the report;

(v)  Note the financial implications arising from the introduction of the policy;

(vi)  Note that the appropriate amendments shall be made to the Council’s Financial Regulations and Rules (Part 4, Chapter 2 of the Council Constitution) to reflect the new arrangements, and reported to the Assembly for information;

(vii)  Agree to review the policy after one year of its introduction to assess the impact on the Council’s income, bad debt provision and the cost effectiveness of the policy.