Debt Recovery Policy

Debt Recovery Policy

At the Council Meeting held on Thursday 23 July 2026, Council resolved to place the Debt Recovery Policy on public exhibition.

The Policy outlines Council’s approach to debt recovery, balancing its legal responsibility to maintain financial sustainability with a commitment to fairness, equity, and transparency.

The key objectives of the Policy are to manage outstanding debts effectively, maintain healthy cash flow, and keep overdue rates and charges within target levels.

The policy promotes consistent, confidential, and equitable treatment of debtors while ensuring obligations are clearly communicated and understood. It encourages early engagement between debtors and Council to prevent escalation and reduce legal costs. The policy also demonstrates compliance with relevant legislation, regulations, and guidelines and applies to Council staff and authorised agents involved in debt recovery.

To support these objectives, Council partners with The Centre for Sustainable Debt Recovery Pty Ltd trading as Recoupa. Recoupa are a specialist debt recovery provider that works extensively with local government. Recoupa was specially selected due to their compassionate, data-driven approach to debt recovery, focused on respectful engagement, tailored payment arrangements, and early intervention strategies designed to assist debtors in resolving outstanding accounts before legal action becomes necessary.

The Debt Recovery Policy will be on public exhibition until 4.00pm Monday 28 September 2026.

What Next?

The draft Policy was endorsed at the 27 August 2026 Council Meeting to be placed on Public Consultation for a period of no less than 28 days. Community members now have an opportunity to provide their feedback.

1. Have a read - Please have a read of the above proposal. Please take the time to understand what it is in document and what it means for you and the local community.
2. Ask a question - If you have any queries or need clarification, please use our 'questions tool' below.
3. Complete the below feedback form - If you have any comments, please use the Guestbook to leave your feedback below. Your feedback is important as it will inform Council's final decision on this strategy.
4. Other ways to provide feedback: You can also make a submission by email to Council@yass.nsw.gov.au or by writing to Public Consultations, Yass Valley Council, 209 Comur Street, Yass, NSW, 2582.

Any person may make a written submission to Council on the draft document until 4.00pm on Monday 28 September 2026.

All submissions received will be considered. Any significant submissions will be reported to the October 2026 Ordinary Council meeting.

If no significant submissions are received the Policy will be adopted.

In accordance with the Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 1998, Council will redact any names, email addresses, contact numbers and residential addresses from all submissions received prior to inclusion in the future report to Council.

Thank you for taking the time to share your views.