Council set to write off £553k of debt that is irrecoverable

Renfrewshire Council is preparing to write off more than £550,000 of irrecoverable debtif elected members approve the move this week.

- JACK THOMSON, LOCAL DEMOCRACY REPORTER

The step is set to be taken as the recovery of debt from a number of individuals and companies is no longer considered “viable” by finance officials.

A total amount of £553,486.52 will be reviewed at the local authority's finance, resources and customer services policy board on Thursday.

Financial regulations stipulate a report on the write-off of sums in excess of £10,000 is submitted to the board for consideration.

The paper put together by Emma Shields, strategic service delivery manager, explained the council has already “pursued” the debts in question before adding it is now “considered prudent” to wipe out the outstanding balance.

The document said: “The debt recovery process involves extensive effort by the council and its collection agents to locate the debtor and recover the debt.