Debt management - the recovery of debt

The information below explains what action may be taken if we do not receive payment for a sundry debtor invoice.

First stage - request for payment

When you receive a sundry debtor invoice, it is payable immediately. If you have agreed in advance to pay by instalments you will receive an instalment plan showing expected dates for payment.

Various payment methods are available. You can find these on our how to pay pages. When your payment is received all recovery action will stop.

Second stage - final notice

If your payment is not received within 28 days of the date of the invoice a final notice will be issued automatically.

The final notice explains what action will be taken if we do not receive your payment. We will contact you by telephone after receipt of the final notice to request payment in full.

Third stage - after the final notice

If we do not receive payment within 14 days of the date of the final notice your account may be transferred to either:

One of our external collection agencies, or
The council's legal services section.

At this point additional costs may be added to your account. In addition, county court judgments may be obtained which could affect your credit rating.

How we can help

To prevent additional costs and court action we advise you to pay your invoice immediately.

You are strongly advised to contact us if you have a dispute or difficulties paying in full and we will do all we can to assist you.

How external collection agencies operate

When accounts are forwarded to external collection agencies you can expect the following:

Initial contact by telephone or letter
Payment expected in full
Agencies work to standards set by Wolverhampton City Council and are monitored.
Responsibility for collecting your outstanding account for between 90 to 120 days. During this time you will receive further letters and telephone calls
On some occasions agencies may use 'doorstep' collection to make contact with you to repay the debt.

How legal services operate

The following action may be taken if your account has been outstanding for at least four months or if Wolverhampton City Council believe that your account needs to be chased through court action:

Initial contact by letter informing you the account has reached the legal services department
You may be issued a Warrant of Execution for bailiffs to call
You may be requested to appear in court where a county court judgment could be issued against you potentially affecting your credit rating.