Issue - meetings

Report FSD20001

The report provided information regarding Liberata’s performance in the provision of Exchequer Services for the period 1^st April 2019 to 30^th September 2019, with an updated position as at 30 November 2019.  A letter from Amanda Inwood-Field, Liberata’s Contract Director, attached at Appendix 1 to the report provided an update on each individual service and subsequent appendices set out statistical data relating to the services.

The Committee noted that there had been a drop in performance in relation to Financial Assessments and Charging and a recovery plan had been put in place.  In explaining how the drop in performance had occurred, representative from Liberata reported that a number of key members of staff had left the service in a short space of time and it had been difficult to recruit experienced financial assessment officers.  Recruitment had now taken place and the backlog had been cleared.

In relation to writing off invoices, Members noted that the relevant procedure was set out in the Council’s Financial Regulations.  There were a number of criteria for writing off invoices and recommendations for write offs could be made by either the contractor or Bromley Officers.  The recommendation was then review by the relevant Head of Finance and Departmental Officer.  The Director of Corporate Services explained that write offs effectively froze the enforcement period.  If an individual’s circumstances were to change within the limitation period recovery could take place.  The Director of Finance further noted that there was a requirement to seek approval from the Portfolio Holder for write offs over £15,000.

Members questioned how many write offs there were in respect of nightly paid accommodation on the basis that they were uneconomical to collect.  The Assistant Director: Exchequer Services reported that she did not have that information available at the meeting however, it was emphasised that there was a statutory duty to house families and consequently the Local Authority had to be proactive in recovering debt.  Whilst Housing Benefit was paid direct to the Council as landlord,  there was a  big risk of the personal contributions not being paid.

RESOLVED: That the report and the letter provided by Liberata be noted.