[Ron Peters]

Hi Trevor

We helped a client develop best-practice a little while ago. Will send you a sample notice in case it helps you.

Richard McLean
0434 222032

[Ron Peters]

Hi Mary,

In our work acting for Councils from over 30% of the State, we haven’t encountered Councils charging interest on fees such as OnSite Sewer Management etc.

Interest can be charged however if the debtor has contracted to pay it in the terms and conditions of an agreement to provide the goods or services. This is commonly the case with Council property leases, and commercial businesses often include debtor liability for interest on overdue balances plus recovery of debt collection costs in their customer contracts.

We recommend that Councils consider adding such a clause to their agreements for provision of services not related to Rates and Charges, if they wish to recover interest and/or debt collection costs.

We are aware of at least one Rates Department which has revised its processes and documentation, and briefed/trained other areas within council which deliver the services, to make recovery of fees easier.

Hope this helps a bit, but is possibly not the answer you wished for. If we can help with more information, please don’t hesitate to ask.

Richard McLean
Outstanding Collections
02 9545 3115

[Ron Peters]

Hi Andrew,

In our experience, reasonable cost relate to the amount of work involved in locating the debtor. Some debtors are found easier than others and outside search engines (i.e., ASIC search etc.) are required. We generally find that the cost of a skip trace will be between $250 – $450, and we only charge for a successful outcome.
Also, if you are having trouble locating a debtor we are more than happy to offer you one free (no strings attached) Skip Trace!

Thanks,
Jessica Crane
Business Development Manager
PO Box 373 Sutherland NSW 1499
Ph: 02 9545 3115 Fax: 02 9545 3251
Email: jessicacr@oscollections.com.au
http://www.oscollections.com.au

[Ron Peters]

Hi Emma!
The rates remain in the name of the ratepayer until such time as the land is transferred to the new ratepayer.
So the rates will remain in the old ratepayer’s name and he/she will be responsible for the rates until the land was transferred.

The ratepayer who is being charged can then take the matter up with his solicitor but all Council has to worry about is whose name was on the land title search as that person or persons is responsible for the outstanding rates.

Hope that helps?

[Ron Peters]

Hi Cindy,

I just sent you a detailed email answering your questions and I also included a sample mortgagee letter for you references.

I hope the info helps!

Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any other questions.

🙂

Zoe

[Author]

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