Recovery Officer – Council Tax & Business Rates

A reputable London-based housing provider is seeking an experienced Recovery Officer to join its Revenues & Benefits function. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Council Tax and Business Rates professional to work within an established recovery service, managing complex debt cases and supporting enforcement and court proceedings.
Sector: Housing / Local Government / Revenues & Benefits
Location: London – Mainly Remote
Working Arrangement: Predominantly home-based, with occasional office (x1 a Month and court attendance x1 a Month)
Rate: £22.50 - £22.86 per hour PAYE / £29.21 per hour Umbrella
DBS: Standard DBS required
Contract: Temporary
There may also be an expectation to attend the office for up to two weeks during the initial induction and training period.
As a Recovery Officer, you will be responsible for undertaking recovery and enforcement functions relating to Council Tax and National Non-Domestic Rates (NNDR/Business Rates).
You will manage accounts through various stages of the recovery process, investigate and reconcile outstanding balances, liaise with enforcement agencies and debtors, negotiate payment arrangements and prepare cases for court proceedings.
You will also be expected to exercise sound judgement when dealing with complex cases, particularly where vulnerability, financial hardship or potential fraud has been identified.
Key Responsibilities:

• Manage the recovery and enforcement of Council Tax and NNDR/Business Rates accounts.
• Investigate, update and reconcile accounts and take appropriate recovery action in accordance with policies and procedures.
• Maximise revenue collection while maintaining a strong focus on customer care and fair recovery practices.
• Process cases returned from Enforcement Agents and determine the appropriate next stage of recovery.
• Liaise directly with Enforcement Agents, debtors, internal departments and external agencies regarding outstanding debts.
• Undertake tracing and system checks using Experian and other relevant systems to locate debtors and investigate accounts.
• Prepare documentation relating to committal proceedings, charging orders, applications to set aside and other legal recovery action.
• Represent the organisation at court proceedings, including liability order applications and committal hearings.
• Exercise judgement regarding adjournments, withdrawals, referrals to duty solicitors and appearances at court.
• Maintain accurate records of court proceedings, decisions and recovery actions.
• Negotiate appropriate payment arrangements and repayment schedules with debtors at all stages of recovery.
• Apply discretion when dealing with customers experiencing vulnerability, poverty or financial hardship, within established procedures.
• Deal with complex, sensitive and sometimes contentious Council Tax and NNDR recovery enquiries.
• Process and manage insolvency cases in accordance with relevant legislation and procedures.
• Liaise with organisations including DWP, collection agencies, employers and Citizens Advice where appropriate.
• Maintain accurate records of debts referred to external collection agencies.
• Process payments, payment schedules and invoices as required.
• Establish effective relationships with major and regular debtors to resolve disputes and facilitate payment.

• Demonstrable experience working within Council Tax and Business Rates/NNDR recovery.
• Strong knowledge of Council Tax and NNDR legislation, recovery processes and enforcement procedures.
• Experience managing cases through different stages of the debt recovery process.
• Experience dealing with Enforcement Agents and external collection agencies.
• Experience preparing and/or dealing with court proceedings relating to Council Tax recovery, including liability orders and committal hearings.
• Experience dealing sensitively with vulnerable customers, financial hardship and complex debt cases.
• Experience investigating accounts, tracing debtors and resolving discrepancies.

• Academy system – Council Tax & NNDR
• Experian or similar tracing/credit-reference systems
• Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word and Microsoft Outlook
• Council Tax and Business Rates revenue/recovery systems

• IRRV qualification or relevant professional qualification.
• Previous experience working within a local authority, housing provider or revenues and benefits environment.
• Knowledge of insolvency, charging orders, committal proceedings and other enforcement mechanisms.