PENDLE Council is preparing to write off hundreds of thousands of pounds of debt.

A report will go before the authority’s policy and resources committee next week proposing to write off £134,000 in housing benefit overpayments as well as £135,000 in council tax debts.

And £71,000 in business rates could also be written off as irrecoverable at the meeting.

Revenues manager from the council’s partner Liberata, Stephen Simm, said all avenues for recovery had been exhausted.

He said all accounts are actively pursued with reminders and final notices issued, payments by instalment negotiated and further action taken where necessary.

The authority also searches social media to try and find debtors' employers so the council can reclaim the money through their earnings.

Bosses stress when new information becomes available, the debt can still be pursued.

In 16 of the 33 housing benefits cases, legal action against the debtor failed.

There were four cases where the claimant had left without a trace and seven who were insolvent.

In terms of the council tax debt, 35 out of the 112 cases involved the debtor absconding without a trace while 48 were insolvent.

Recovery procedures were exhausted in 28 cases and one case would be written off due to extenuating circumstances.

Regarding business rates, 14 of the 21 cases relate to insolvency while a further four have left without a trace.

Two are out of legal jurisdiction and recovery has been exhausted in a single case.

Mr Simm said: “The writing-off of debt which is uncollectable is recognised as good practice.

“Debts are only considered for write-off after taking all possible steps to collect.

“Procedures and processes are continually reviewed to ensure maximum effectiveness."