Issue - meetings
Meeting: 09/01/2020 - Babergh Cabinet (Item 202)
202 BCa/19/27 COUNCIL TAX - CITIZENS ADVICE COLLECTION PROTOCOL 
PDF 228 KB
Cabinet Member for Finance
Additional documents:
Decision:
It was RESOLVED:-
That the adoption of the Citizen Advice Council Tax Protocol detailed at Appendix (a) of the report be approved.
REASON FOR DECISION
The protocol reflects best practice at a local level and is intended to facilitate regular liaison with the Council, its Enforcement Agents and Citizens Advice on practices and policy concerning Council Tax collection.
In setting down clear procedures and keeping these regularly under review, all parties to the protocol can ensure that arrears are dealt with appropriately whilst complaints are handled efficiently.
Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:
1.1 To adopt the Citizen Advice protocol.
1.2 To not adopt the Citizen Advice protocol and wait for the Government reforms.
Any Declarations of Interest Declared: None
Any Dispensation Granted: None
Minutes:
Report BCa/19/27 was introduced by the Cabinet Member for Finance who moved the recommendations. The recommendations were seconded by Councillor Osborne.
Councillor Arthey enquired if there had been a rise in Council Tax debt in the Babergh area. Andrew Wilcock advised that the figures for the final quarter had been impacted by changes in customers working patterns or benefits received. It was confirmed that the protocol would help to support residents who may have difficulty in funding council tax payments.
In response to a further query from Councillor Arthey it was confirmed that both Mid Suffolk District Council and Ipswich Borough Council had approved the protocol.
By a unanimous vote
It was RESOLVED:-
That the adoption of the Citizen Advice Council Tax Protocol detailed at Appendix (a) of the report be approved.
Reason for Decision: The protocol reflects best practice at a local level and is intended to facilitate regular liaison with the Council, its Enforcement Agents and Citizens Advice on practices and policy concerning Council Tax collection.
In setting down clear procedures and keeping these regularly under review, all parties to the protocol can ensure that arrears are dealt with appropriately whilst complaints are handled efficiently.