17.1
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To seek
authority that allows Sheffield City Council to further contract
with Yorkshire Water as their agent and continue collecting water
rate charges from Council tenants on Yorkshire Water’s behalf
for the period 1st April 2021 to 30 March
2024.
Yorkshire Water
has indicated they would agree to the Council continuing collecting
these charges as their agent and they are prepared to confirm this
in the commercial documents.
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17.2
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RESOLVED: That Cabinet:-
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1.
Notes the contents of
the report.
2.
Approves the council
entering a contract on the basis that the council will act as agent for
Yorkshire Water to collect water rates from Council tenants
occupying properties where Yorkshire Water is the
supplier.
3.
To the extent not already delegated to them by the Leader’s
Scheme of Delegation, delegate authority
to the Executive Director of Place, in consultation with the
Director of Legal and Governance and Director of Finance and
Commercial Services
to prepare and execute all required documentation and take
steps to implement these recommendations.
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17.3
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Reasons for Decision
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17.3.1
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The Council has
been collecting water rates on behalf of council tenants for over
20 years. The arrangement is mutually
beneficial for all parties, the Council receives an income to the
Housing Revenue Account which is used to support Council Tenants,
Yorkshire Water receive a high collection rate and customers
benefit from officers who are trained in financial inclusion and
support, as well as income collection.
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17.4
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Alternatives Considered and Rejected
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17.4.1
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To not collect
water rates for Yorkshire Water.
However, this would result in a reduction in service for tenants
who would have to make payments direct to Yorkshire Water and would
also not have the support to apply for water support grants,
Yorkshire Water would require time to develop alternative
arrangements to collect outstanding water rates and a reduction in
income to the Council.
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17.5
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Any
Interest Declared or Dispensation Granted
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None
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17.6
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Reason for Exemption if Public/Press Excluded During
Consideration
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None
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17.7
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Respective Director Responsible for
Implementation
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Executive
Director of Place
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17.8
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Relevant Scrutiny and Policy Development Committee If Decision
Called In
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Safer and
Stronger Communities Scrutiny Committee
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