Bankruptcy

The Corporate Debt team write to, or visit, high level debtors requesting arrangements be made to pay arrears.  If no response is received, bankruptcy proceedings will commence.

Employee Arrears

If an East Lothian Council employee is in arrears of community charge, council tax or rent, the Corporate Debt team contact the employee to make arrangements to pay the arrears and maintain payments for current liabilities.

If the employee is not prepared to do this, the the council’s disciplinary procedure will be invoked.

Checks are also carried out on new members of staff to ensure there are no arrears.

Former Tenant Arrears

If a tenant with arrears no longer has an East Lothian Council tenancy, the Corporate Debt team try to negotiate payment of the arrears.  If this fails, legal action will be instigated, usually a small claim, to recover the debt.

Inhibitions

The Corporate Debt team monitor properties for sale via the Edinburgh Solicitors Property Centre and other sources, in order to identify houses which are for sale and have a debt against them. 

The vendor(s) is contacted to request payment, or to arrange for the vendor(s) to sign an irrevocable mandate.

If a signed mandate is not received, the sale of the house will be inhibited, preventing the seller from disposing of the property.

Tracing

The Corporate Debt team attempt to trace absconding debtors. All  internal systems are checked for forwarding addresses.

If no information is held internally, the National Anti Fraud Network is used to help trace absconders.

Contact(s)

If you require any further information please contact:

Corporate Debt Team

East Lothian Council

PO Box 13253

Haddington

EH41 3YG

Telephone: 01620 827157