Issue - meetings

The Cabinet Member for Finance, Performance and Core Services introduced a report on debt management performance and write-offs for Quarter 2 of the 2019/20 financial year in respect of the debt management functions carried out on behalf of the Council by the Revenues and Benefits service within Elevate East London.

Members noted that of the 12 collection targets, seven had been met or exceeded, and five were below target.  The Cabinet Member referred to the increase in Council Tax and rent arrears and suggested that the introduction of Universal Credit was a direct cause.

Cabinet resolved to:

(i)  Note the performance of the debt management function carried out by the Revenues and Benefits service operated by Elevate East London, including the performance of enforcement agents; and

(ii)  Note the emerging impact of Universal Credit on collection levels, particularly Council Tax and rents.