[Matthew Saunders]

At Penrith City Council we are currently reviewing our Policy on write-off amounts that staff can do under delegation without the write-off needing to be referred to Council for approval.

Currently we have a $2,000 limit (per account and per annum) where selected staff under delegation can write off rates, interest, charges, legal fees and sundry debtor accounts up to this limit (this is currently delegated to positions of Rates Team leader and all managers above that position up to the General Manager) . Any amounts above this limit require Councillors to approve the write-off at an Ordinary Meeting. We have a separate delegation for postponements and pension rebates where Council is required to write-off those amounts.

I am wondering if anyone can share what their delegation limits are for their Council for rates and sundry debtors, if there are different limits for different staff, and at what staffing level the delegation is provided (especially if rates staff are given the delegation).

I am mainly enquiring about Sydney Metro councils but though it would also be good for all councils to see what other councils do for their write-offs.

Thank you for any replies.

Matthew
Rates Manager Penrith City Council

[Ian Clayton]

Hi Matt,

At Mid-Western Regional Council, we have a $2500 delegation for the General Manager to write-off rates/water/debtors. There’s also a small $10 delegation to the Manager Revenue & Property intended to cover small interest amounts.

Because cl 131(6) requires the GM to advise the council of any amounts written off. we report all amounts to Council annually, separating those we need a resolution to write off, and to note the GM write offs.

Also have separate delegations for pension rebate & postponed amounts.

Cheers
Ian

[Author]

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