Decision
Analysis
outcome: The recommendations to write off the debts totaling £37,097.19 were approved unanimously.
summary: The decision at stake is whether to write off irrecoverable business rates in excess of £5,000.
topline: The Executive has decided to approve the write off of irrecoverable business rates totaling £37,097.19.
reason_contentious: This issue may be contentious as it involves public funds and the decision to write off debts, which could be seen as unfair to other taxpayers.
affected_stakeholders: ["Business owners", "Taxpayers", "Local council"]
contentiousness_score: 5
political_party_relevance: There are no mentions or implications of political parties or political influence on the decision.
URL: https://meetings.westoxon.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=431
Decision Maker: Executive
Outcome: Recommendations Approved
Is Key Decision?: No
Is Callable In?: No
Purpose:
Content: Councillor Andy Graham advised that if the discussion on item 14 included details in the exempt annex at item 17 the meeting would need to resolve to exclude the press and public. The exempt annex was not discussed. Councillor Alaric Smith, Executive Member for Finance, introduced the item the purpose of which was to seek approval to write off irrecoverable business rates in excess of £5,000. Councillor Smith explained that the council had an approved Recovery Policy that stated the executive must approve irrecoverable debts in excess of £5,000 before they can be written off. The debts in the report related to four business rate accounts which were linked and were in respect of one owner. The report explained that the charges should not have been levied and therefore the only available option was to write off the debt. The debt totalled £37,097.19 of which £14,838.88 remained to West Oxfordshire. Councillor Alaric Smith proposed accepting the recommendations of the report. Councillor Duncan Enright seconded the recommendations. This was voted on and approved unanimously. RESOLVED: That the Executive: 1. Approved the write offs totalling £37,097.19 as detailed within this report
Date of Decision: June 11, 2025