Purpose

Since 2008, the Council has used outside
agencies for the collection various debt types including Council
Tax, Business Rates, Sundry Debts, Parking debts and Housing
Benefit overpayments.
The most recent contract for these services was awarded from the 25
January 2020 for a maximum period of 4 years. This was awarded
under a now expired YPO framework. The existing contract is due to
expire on the 24 January 2024. The Council wants to ensure
continued access to specialist external enforcement agent services
for the collection of outstanding debts.
As central Government funding to local government continues to
reduce, it is vital the Council takes steps to ensure it maximises
income collection for the Council, enabling it to continue to
provide vital services to local residents. Where direct engagement
with debtors proves unsuccessful, professional enforcement services
may be required. The use of external enforcement agents is
permitted under various legislation.
This knowledge and skill is outside the existing specialisms of the
Council, meaning that 3rd party organisations are required to carry
out this function. By obtaining specialist Enforcement Agency firms
to act for the Council, the Council is able to take the required
action more effectively, potentially recovering unpaid amounts and
minimising future lost revenue.
The Council seeks to continue its access to specialist enforcement
agent services through the awarding of a new contract for a maximum
of 4 years, under CCS Framework RM 6226 – Debt Collection,
Lot 5. By re-procuring services using the above framework, the
Council will be able to continue to actively pursue its debts using
specialist services.

Content

To appoint a minimum of 3 Enforcement Agent
companies for the recovery of unpaid Council Tax and Business Rates
(Non-Domestic Rates); Parking debts; Housing Benefit overpayments;
and sundry debts in order to maximise income for the Council.
The contract is to begin at the expiry of the existing award on the
25th January 2024 and it will be awarded for a period of 4 years
under the terms of CCS Framework RM 6226 – Debt Collection,
Lot 5.