COUNCIL'S DEBT COLLECTION POLICIES PAY OFF

North Norfolk District Council is again one of the best-performing councils in the country when it comes to collecting council tax and business rates.

Like last year, NNDC is in the top quartile for performance, with 98.6 per cent of council tax collected (the same as last year) and 99.1 per cent of business rates collected (compared with 99.2 per cent in 2004/05).  The national average this year was 96.8 per cent for council tax and 98.4 per cent for business rates.

NNDC had a total of £44.5 million in council tax to collect in 2005/06 and while almost £1 million is still to be collected (some of it from previous years).  Only £50,000 of that was written off (compared with £35,500 written off in 2004/05 and £62,000 the year before).  The rest is being pursued.

For business rates, NNDC wrote off only £30,000 in 2005/06 (£28,000 in 2004/05 and £32,500 in 2003/04) out of a potential income of just over £17 million.

The figures, which have to be supplied yearly to the Audit Commission as part of the Council's performance monitoring, show how NNDC's new Debt Management and Recovery Policy and Debt Write-Off Policy are helping to keep non-payment to a minimum and limit its impact.

The policies ensure that all reasonable steps are taken to recover debts, that help is given to people who are in genuine financial difficulty (through agreements to pay outstanding debts over a longer period, for example) and that people who can afford to pay but who do not are pursued vigorously  - and could even face bankruptcy proceedings.

Councillor Peter Moore, Cabinat Member for Resources, said; "North Norfolk District Council believes that it's council tax payers should get a fair deal and that means they should not be subsidising services for those who are able to pay but refuse to do so. At the same time, we must ensure that people who want to pay, but who have difficulty, are given every chance to fulfil their obligations.  Either way, we take non-payment very seriously, and that shows in our encouraging performance results."

WEYBOURNE FUN DAY - BANK HOLIDAY SUNDAY - 27TH AUGUST FROM 11.00
HOLT ROAD FIELD, WEYBOURNE

INCLUDES: FUN DOG SHOW, CRAFT FAIR, CAR BOOT, LOTS OF GAMES, STALLS AND
SIDESHOWS, BOUNCY CASTLE, LIGHT REFRESHMENTS, BEER TENT

A GREAT DAY OUT FOR ALL THE FAMILY - INCLUDING THE DOG!

If you can spare a few hours to man a stall on the day, or help set up beforehand, we would very much appreciate a call.  We would also welcome donations to the raffle, tombola and cake stalls - we will collect if required.  Do you have any old crockery or ceramic tiles - these are desperately needed for one of our most popular games - the "Smash the Crocks" stall!

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION,TO OFFER HELP OR ARRANGE COLLECTION OF DONATIONS,
PLEASE CALL GEORGE WESTON ON 01263 588287"

THE ROYAL AIR FORCES ASSOCIATION

Some 70 members attended a Wine and Savouries Evening at Cley Old Hall on Tuesday 27th June.  Members enjoyed the good weather enabling them to enjoy the lovely garden and excellent savouries served in the large dining hall.  The evening made a profit of over £400, which will go towards the Branch's 2006 Wings Week Collection Target of £11,000.

Many thanks are due to David and Pamela Keys for allowing the Branch to make use of Cley Old Hall, their lovely home and it's garden.

All former members of the Royal Air Force, male and female and their families, who are interested in joining the Sheringham Branch will be most welcome.  They should contact Sir Colin Turner, the Thatched House, Balfour Road, West Runton, 
NR27 9QJ or telephone him on 01263 837 229.