Purpose

Income collection relies on both internal and
external collection and enforcement activities. London Borough of
Harrow does not directly employ Civil Enforcement Agents. Instead,
it contracts commercial organisations to carry out “in
person” collections and to “take control of
goods” (i.e. remove them from a debtor’s premises) with
a view to sale. Without a contractor for that activity, the Council
would be unable to effectively process liability orders issued by
the Magistrates Court and / or execute arrest warrants / court
orders, resulting in either loss of income or an extended period
before outstanding monies were recovered.

The services in scope are provided free of charge to London Borough
of Harrow as Civil Enforcement Agent fees are regulated under
statutory provisions for Council Tax, Business Rates and Parking
Control Notices (PCN’s) and payable directly by debtors.
Additionally, the small numbers of cases arising in relation to
Housing Benefit Overpayment and Sundry Debts, which are included
within the scope of the services concerned, are provided free of
charge.

The initial contract agreement was for three years from 8th April
2023 to 7th April 2026, with options to extend for a further one
year, followed by a further one year and finally six months. There
are no concerns arising from an extension of the existing
service.

Content

1. To exercise the first extension option in
the call-off contracts under RM6226 Lot 5 Enforcement Services with
Jacobs Enforcement Ltd and Newlyn plc, for a period of one year
from 8th April 2026 to 7th April 2027. The total value of each
contract including any options to extend is £3,300,000. Both
contracts are service contracts where debtors pay the statutory
fees concerned directly to the enforcement agent.

2. To permit the Strategic Director of Finance to progress the
appropriate arrangements to facilitate recommendation 1
above.