The number of debt collection interactions that Haringey Council have made in the last two years has fallen dramatically, with a 60% reduction in the use of bailiffs for those in receipt of benefits in the first two years of this administration.  

Cllr Joseph Ejiofor, Leader of Haringey Council said, “Whilst we are continuing to take a robust approach to debt collection, which we legally have to do, the change in emphasis which this administration has brought to bear is avoiding bailiff enforcement against the least well off.

“Instead, we are focusing on having a dialogue with people, looking to assist them in addressing income issues and putting in place agreed and affordable payment plans.

“Our new outlook has resulted in a 43% reduction in the number of summons’ issued against residents in receipt of CTRS during the first two years of this administration, and more than a 60% reduction in the use of bailiffs against the poorest in our community over the same time.

“There is still more work to do on finalising our ethical debt policy, delayed as an outcome of reduced officer capacity due to Covid-19, but it is clear from these figures that our actions are moving in the right direction.”