Debt Collection Policy

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to establish a clear and concise framework in which to pursue outstanding debts owed to Swan Hill Rural City Council (Council), thereby ensuring reliability and fairness in revenue collection.

Scope

This policy applies to all Council employees with responsibility to ensure collection of monies on behalf of Council.

Policy

Council will collect outstanding monies owed to it, using all possible legal means and having due regard to genuine applications for financial hardship.

Council will undertake legal action only once all other collection avenues have been exhausted.

Council will develop and implement procedures to ensure reliable revenue collection. Outstanding debts owed to Council shall be followed up in accordance with the Debt Collection Procedure PRO/CORP204.

The Debt Collection Procedure will:

• (a) Identify the debt collection methods to be utilised when collecting amounts owed
• (b) Establish and confirm timeframes and associated actions in pursuit of outstanding debts
• (c) Provide defined protocols when negotiating with Council clients on debt collection issues.

Related Policies

• POL/CORP227 Financial Hardship Policy

Related Legislation

• The Local Government Act 1989
• The Local Government Act 2020

Signed: Jade Benham (Mayor)
Date: 17/11/2021