Local authority sundry debtors--part 1

Local authorities are responsible for collecting a substantial amount of money from 2 principal areas, namely: council tax, rates and rent, and sundry debtors. A number of local authorities are pilot authorities for "best value" and within this is the requirement to improve on the collection of sundry debtors. Some authorities have asked for advice and guidance in the management of sundry debtors. The Audit Commission has made a number of very sound recommendations in its management handbook Counting Down to Competition - A Management Handbook on Financial Support Services. Section 3, Chapter 5 deals specifically with sundry debtors and some of its main recommendations are discussed.