09/02/2012 8:55 pm
We would collect static arrears like any other tenant debt, as it is a current arrear that needs to be collected. You don't state the level of the static arrears you are concerned about, but if the level of the arrears is too low to be economic to pursue - i.e. less than £10, you may ask for Board approval to write off the debt as it is costing more in staff time monitoring, visiting and sending letters to recover something that is a low, insubstantial debt anyway. In terms of technique in asking people for repayment, when I was a Housing Officer I would have a purge once a month to contact everyone with a static arrear and either obtain a payment arrangement or ask them to clear in full if it was a low amount - if you are doing this, be ready to take card details over the phone to take payment immediately so saving further pursuance costs in having to make further calls. You could also run a campaign with a free prize draw for those that clear their arrears that month - might be an added incentive to get more than just the static arrears in - good luck!!