Write Off Policy for Housing Debts

CONSULTATION UPDATE

On Wednesday 9^th September, Angus Council’s Housing Committee agreed a new Management of Housing Debts and Write Offs Policy.

This policy covers housing debts such as rent and service charges. It explains how we manage rent arrears and the steps we take if money owed cannot be recovered. After consulting with tenants and elected members, we agreed a final version that sets out clear rules for when we would not continue to pursue debts – for example, if a tenant has passed away or cannot be traced. Our aim is to make sure the policy is fair for tenants, protects public money, and follows good financial practice.

You can view the new policy on our website

 Summary of Key Points:

• Paying rent is essential: Rent funds the homes we provide, the repairs we carry out, and the improvements tenants rely on. It would be unfair to those who pay their rent if we failed to act firmly on non-payment.

• Who the Policy Applies To: Angus Council tenants (current and former) with housing debts (e.g. rent arrears, service charges).

• Support first: We try to prevent arrears in the first place, by speaking to tenants early, offering support, and agreeing realistic repayment plans.

• Writing off debt as a last resort: We only consider writing off a debt when we have exhausted all other reasonable recovery methods.

• When we might write off debt:
  • If the tenant has passed away and there’s no money in their estate to pay the debt.
  • If the tenant has been declared bankrupt and the law says we can’t collect the debt.
  • If we can’t find the former tenant, and only after we have exhausted efforts to trace them. In these situations, debt can be written back on should a former tenant be traced.
  • If attempts to recover the debt would cost more than it’s worth or cause significant harm.

• How decisions are made: All write-off decisions are checked by managers and follow strict approval rules.

• We keep this under review: We regularly look at debt recovery and write-off cases to learn lessons and improve how we work

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• Fairness matters: We apply this policy consistently and fairly and will make changes when required by new laws or learning.

What Happens Next?

Now that the policy has been agreed, we will begin putting it into practice. A new working group will be set up to raise awareness of the changes and make sure staff are fully trained and supported to deliver the policy to a high standard.

Introduction

This consultation on the policy is open for Angus Council tenants (current and former) and staff members.

 We’re asking for your views on our draft Write Off Policy for Housing Debts. 

This policy sets out the rules we follow when deciding not to pursue unpaid rent or other housing debts - for example, when a tenant has passed away, can't be found, or where further recovery would cause significant harm. We want to make sure our approach is fair and supports tenants who are struggling, while also protecting public funds. 

Summary of Key Points:

• When we might write off debt: 
  1. If the tenant has died and there’s no money left in their estate to pay the debt.
  2. If the tenant has been declared bankrupt and the law says we can’t collect the debt.
  3. If we can’t find the former tenant, even after making lots of efforts to trace them.
  4. If chasing the debt would cost more than it’s worth, or would cause harm (e.g. if someone is terminally ill or in long-term care). 

Please read the draft Policy and take part in the survey below. Paper copies of the survey will also be available on request

What Happens Next?

Once we’ve gathered your feedback, we’ll review the responses and make changes to the policy where needed. Your views will help shape the final version.

The survey closes at 5 pm on 9 July 2025.