Write Off Policy for Housing Debts

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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:

  • Who the Policy Applies To: Current and former Angus Council tenants with housing debts (e.g. rent arrears, service charges).
  • Support first: We try to prevent debt 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 if we’ve tried all other reasonable ways to recover it.
  • 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).
  • How decisions are made: All write-off decisions are checked by managers and must 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.
  • Fairness matters: We apply this policy fairly and make adjustments to meet people’s needs, especially if they are vulnerable or face extra challenges.


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.

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:

  • Who the Policy Applies To: Current and former Angus Council tenants with housing debts (e.g. rent arrears, service charges).
  • Support first: We try to prevent debt 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 if we’ve tried all other reasonable ways to recover it.
  • 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).
  • How decisions are made: All write-off decisions are checked by managers and must 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.
  • Fairness matters: We apply this policy fairly and make adjustments to meet people’s needs, especially if they are vulnerable or face extra challenges.


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.

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