ROSSENDALE Council is to write off “irrecoverable” debts worth almost £134,000.

A report, due to go before the authority’s cabinet next week, recommends that the outstanding sums are waived.

Of the total, £122,080 relates to non-domestic rates, while £11,430 relates to benefit debts.

The report, by finance manager Janice Crawford, said the rates sum was racked up by eight accounts.

She said: “Where the relevant companies have been dissolved, creditor’s claims have been lodged in respect of these debts and a record of all debts written off is maintained in the event that there is an opportunity for future collections.”

Regarding the benefit debts, she added: “The sum of £11,430.40 is regarded as irrecoverable in respect of two overpaid benefit claims.

“In both cases, some benefit has been recovered from ongoing entitlement, but in one case the claimant has died leaving no estate, therefore no means to recover the balance.

“In the other case, ongoing benefit has ceased and the bailiffs have exhausted all recovery avenues at the moment. However, should that claimant re-qualify for Housing Benefit within the next six years, this debt can be written back on and recovered from any ongoing entitlement.”

The council’s provisions for bad debts, measured on February 1, stood at £363,000 for council tax, £347,000 for non-domestic rates, £533,000 for housing benefit and £84,000 for sundry debts.

Ms Crawford said: “The write-offs are within the provisions available and recommendation to write off is made on the grounds of prudence before the financial year end.”