Debt collection and write-off policies - Find a freedom of information request

Request

I am writing to make a formal request under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 for information related to your organisation's debt collection and write-off policies, as well as certain debt-related practices.

I kindly request that you provide me with the following information:

1) Can you please confirm whether your organisation has a corporate or departmental debt collection policy? If yes, please specify which and provide copies of the policy or a link to the source where it can be accessed. 

2) Can you please confirm whether your organisation has a corporate or departmental write-off policy? If yes, please specify which and provide copies of the policy or a link to the source where it can be accessed. 

3) Can you please confirm whether your organisation utilizes enforcement agents to collect statutory debts? If yes, could you also confirm if any added value services are extracted due to this contract, such as fintech utilization or financial assistance?

4) Additionally, please provide a list of the types of debts for which enforcement agents are used. 

5) Can you please confirm whether your organisation utilises debt collection agents (DCA) to collect debts owed to the organisation?

a) If yes, could you also confirm if any added value services are extracted due to this contract, such as fintech utilization or financial assistance?

b) please provide a list of the types of debts for which Debt collection agents are used. 

6) Can you please confirm whether your organisation has a local authority-owned enforcement agent facility for undertaking "taking control of goods fees regulations" debt collections?

a) If yes, please provide a list of debts for which this the debts the team collects

b) and kindly provide a copy of the notice of enforcement that is used

7) Please confirm the total amount of debt written off by your local authority for the years 2021/22 and 2022/23. Please break down the figures by debt area, such as Council Tax, Parking,and Sundry Debt etc. 

Decision

I can confirm that the information requested is held by Lincolnshire County Council. I have detailed below the information that is being released to you.

1. This is LCC internal policy

2. This is an internal policy – there is no link to be provided

3. No all debts are dealt with by the in-house team

4. N/a

5.a-b. N/a

6.No

7. This information has been previously published on the LCC website via the link below https://www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/directory-record/72202/uncollected-debt-write-offs

Reference number
FOI 7656869
Date request received
17/08/23
Date of decision
26/09/23