Debt Management Policy

The policy strengthens consistency, clarity and fairness in how council debt is recovered, with clearer timeframes, stronger governance, and tightly controlled write‑off arrangements.

Key principles

• The Council is committed to minimising bad debt and managing income responsibly.
• All recovery action must be consistent, transparent and fair.
• The policy applies to all chargeable goods, services and statutory income, but does not apply to rates, which are managed by the Department of Finance's Land and Property Services.

Debt recovery process

The policy sets out a clear, time‑bound recovery process:

• Monthly statements issued showing outstanding balances.
• Initial contact by email or phone to encourage payment.
• Reminder letters:
  • 30 days – first reminder
  • 60 days – second reminder
  • 90 days – final reminder, giving 7 days to pay and warning of legal action
• Legal action begins if payment is not received after the final notice.
• Interest and court costs are applied only once legal proceedings start, in line with legislation.
• Repayment plans may be agreed in exceptional circumstances, usually capped at 6 months.
• Disputed invoices pause recovery until resolved.

Once a debt reaches 90 days, it is classed as doubtful and a provision is made in the Council’s accounts.

You can read the document in full on this website or download it (PDF 303KB).