Collection agency services

Tender description

Birmingham City Council wishes to establish a framework for the provision of Debt Collection and Enforcement Agency Services including: A Framework for the Services for Debt Collection and Enforcement Agency Services. The framework will be divided in 2 main lots: Lot 1 – Debt Collection Agency Lot 1a – Debt Collection Services – Annual service charges, major works service charges, ground rent, interest and court costs Lot 1b – Rent arrears debt collection and Housing Sundry Debts Lot 1c – Housing benefit over payment debts collection Local Authority tenants and Private tenants both current and former Lot 1d – Debt Collection Services – Sundry Debts Lot 2 – Enforcement Agency Services Lot 2A Highways (Penalty Charges Notices) Lot 2B Commercial Rent Arrears The Framework will last for 4 years (unless terminated under the terms and conditions of contract). Debt Collection agency Services – Debt Collection Services – Annual service charges, major works service charges, ground rent, interest and court costs. This debt is where former tenants and former lodgers of the Council owned properties who have either not engaged with the Council, failed to set up or maintain payment arrangements but still come within the statutes to collect former tenancy arrears. This includes rent arrears incl. removals and recharges/repairs. Former Housing Benefit overpayments This is debt where the tenant has vacated the property and has failed to engage with the Benefits Service in respect of repaying outstanding housing benefit overpayments.. Current Housing Benefit overpayments This is debt where the tenant following a change in circumstances (non-vacation), which has resulted in an overpayment has failed to engage with the Benefits Service in respect of repaying outstanding housing benefit overpayments. This debt is mainly where the debtor has not engaged with the Council under its agreement to pay for goods and services including but not limited to: Trade Waste, Residential Accommodation Charges, Fees and Charges for Room Hire, Advertising and Building Regulation Inspections. These debts may also include charges for overpayments such as e.g. salaries. Enforcement agency services are required to recover the debt arising from the non-payment of Penalty Charge Notices issued under the powers of the Traffic Management Act 2004. A warrant is issued which authorises a certified Enforcement Agency to seize and sell goods belonging to the motorist to the value of the outstanding amount plus the cost of executing the warrant. The commercial property portfolio includes Shops, Offices, Warehousing, Business Park together with industrial units and sites spread across the whole of the City.