So, it turns out Wirral Council is bringing in debt collectors to try and recover £22 million that’s owed to them. They’re gonna spend about £1.2 million to hire two firms that’ll go after unpaid council tax, overpaid benefits, and parking fines over the next three years. The council says they’ll focus on being fair and respectful, not making things harder for people who owe them money. This is happening while the council is waiting to see if they’ll get a £40 million bailout from the government. Jacobs Enforcement will handle council tax, business rates, housing benefit overpayments, and other debts, while Newlyn PLC will go after parking and traffic fines. In 2023-2024, they collected £1.9 million out of £11.2 million owed in over 10,000 cases. Plus, they’re planning to refer £1.1 million in adult social care debts. Anyone think this is a good move or just a desperate attempt?
Wait, so they’re spending £1.2 million to get back £22 million? Sounds like a risky move…
Kelsey said:
Wait, so they’re spending £1.2 million to get back £22 million? Sounds like a risky move…
Yeah, but if they can recover even half of it, I guess it could be worth it. Plus, they really need the money.
Kelsey said:
Wait, so they’re spending £1.2 million to get back £22 million? Sounds like a risky move…
True. And with the council’s budget being so tight, they’re probably just trying anything they can.
I get they need the money, but hiring debt collectors can be harsh on some people. Not sure if it’s the best move…
Shay said:
I get they need the money, but hiring debt collectors can be harsh on some people. Not sure if it’s the best move…
Yeah, I feel that too. Hopefully, they stick to their word about being respectful about it.
Shay said:
I get they need the money, but hiring debt collectors can be harsh on some people. Not sure if it’s the best move…
IDK, as long as they’re not making people lose their homes or something, it might be okay?
@Bennet
I guess. But I still think they should have thought about other options first, like more payment plans or something.
I didn’t even know they were in that much debt. Sounds like they’ve got a lot to catch up on…
Marley said:
I didn’t even know they were in that much debt. Sounds like they’ve got a lot to catch up on…
Yeah, they’re really struggling. £23.9 million owed is crazy!
Marley said:
I didn’t even know they were in that much debt. Sounds like they’ve got a lot to catch up on…
Definitely a mess. Wonder if they’ll actually manage to get close to recovering that amount…
I hope they at least try to be reasonable with people. A lot of folks are struggling, especially with the cost of living right now.
Ashwin said:
I hope they at least try to be reasonable with people. A lot of folks are struggling, especially with the cost of living right now.
For sure. I can’t imagine being in that kind of debt right now. Fingers crossed they’re really fair about it.
Ashwin said:
I hope they at least try to be reasonable with people. A lot of folks are struggling, especially with the cost of living right now.
I think they might be, but we’ll see how it goes. Hopefully, they don’t go too hard on people who genuinely can’t pay.
But wait, what’s up with that £40 million bailout they’re waiting for? Is that their last hope?
Nyx said:
But wait, what’s up with that £40 million bailout they’re waiting for? Is that their last hope?
Yeah, they’re really hoping the government helps them out, but IDK if that’ll happen with everything else going on.
Nyx said:
But wait, what’s up with that £40 million bailout they’re waiting for? Is that their last hope?
Honestly, I think they’re hoping for a miracle. The government might not come through, so they’re probably trying to play it safe with these collectors.