The policy is designed to ensure that residents facing financial hardship are treated fairly, consistently, and with compassion when dealing with council debts.
It aims to balance the council’s legal duty to collect money owed—such as council tax, rent, housing benefit overpayments, and business rates—while providing effective support to those who are struggling.
Councillor Daniel Butcher, cabinet member for finances, resources and community wealth building, said: “We recognise that for many of our residents, particularly in the current climate, managing finances can be extremely challenging.
“This new policy is about showing compassion and offering a genuine helping hand while still fulfilling our necessary legal…