Decision

The Director of Finance has approved the procurement process for the commissioning by the Council of enforcement agent services by issuing an invitation to tender under the Yorkshire Purchasing Organisation Enforcement Agency Services, for the collection of outstanding debt under the following separate lots:

• Lot 1 - The collection of Council Tax, Non-Domestic Rates, Housing Benefit Overpayments and Sundry Debts; and
• Lot 2 - The recovery of Parking Enforcement Charges.

Reasons for the decision

The current enforcement agency services contract expires in January 2025, with no further extensions being permissible. The intention is to maximise the collection of debts through the effective use of all available recovery options and to recover the debt as quickly as reasonably practicable, without imposing unreasonable hardship. The emphasis will be for a fair and respectful treatment of debtors, understanding their circumstances and providing early intervention to both increase revenue and improved support for vulnerable residents.

The Council is committed to providing a high-quality service and seek to ensure a high-quality Enforcement Agent service that acts in a responsible and professional manner, adopting a clear, reasonable and fair charging policy in the application of all fees.