Debt Recovery
Councils are currently discussing improving debt recovery efforts, reviewing processes, and addressing outstanding debts from NHS bodies.
Waltham Forest Council's Cabinet approved £0.220m in September 2026 for new and temporary posts in its debt team, aiming to improve recovery efforts, particularly in Adult Social Care. Barnet Council's Finance and Growth Overview and Scrutiny Sub-Committee also reviewed its debt recovery processes in September 2026.
In March 2026, Barnet Council's Overview and Scrutiny Committee discussed recovering £8 million in NHS debt and £14.2 million in adult social care debt, with councillors seeking clarity on potential write-offs. Lambeth Council is also set to outsource debt recovery, a decision discussed at a Housing Scrutiny Sub-Committee meeting in July 2025.
Bexley Council's General Purposes and Audit Committee is scheduled to meet on 30 September 2026, with debt recovery on its agenda. Debt recovery involves the process of collecting money owed to local authorities across various services.
Key facts
- Waltham Forest Council's Cabinet approved £0.220m for new and temporary debt team posts in September 2026. Source
- Barnet Council discussed £8 million in NHS debt and £14.2 million in adult social care debt in March 2026. Source
- Lambeth Council is set to outsource debt recovery, a decision discussed in July 2025. Source
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 30 September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.