Behavioural standards needed for Council debt recovery
The Peninsula Residents' Association has called on Central Coast Council to include behavioural standards in its Hardship and Debt Recovery Policy.
"The Association submits that a standard of behaviour needs to be specified within this policy that puts first the mental health of the community members from whom it is intending to recover debts.
"The draft policy makes no reference to the conduct of staff or its contracted debt recovery agents in implementing the policy.
"There is no obligation to be helpful nor are any ethical standards mentioned.
"Nothing in the policy would prevent council staff or contractors from engaging in intimidation, psychological abuse and other emotional violence towards debtors and their family members."
The association said that financial health and mental health were closely linked.
"Financial stress can often have a negative impact on our mental health.
"This can just make it worse, as poor mental health can result in poor financial management and more stress.
"Members of the Peninsula Residents' Association have been personally affected by examples of council and institutional debt recovery where uncaring provocative actions have led to suicide and hospitalisation of the targets of their action.
"The Association does not support a council Hardship and Debt Recovery Policy where the council does not accept its responsibility to actively avoid contributing to these outcomes."
The Association said Central Coast Council was entrusted to act on behalf of the community in its dealings with all community members.
It said it expected the council to treat community members as the community would wish to see each other treated.
"This includes showing empathy and understanding, and care and concern for their health and welfare.
"The council's current draft Hardship and Debt Recovery Policy does not reflect this community expectation."
The Association suggested the council consider employing mental health specialists to oversee or conduct the debt recovery process.
"The council should also consider establishing relationships with organisations, such as the National Debt Helpline and Beyond Blue, to support the policy."
SOURCE:
Submission, 18 Jan 2024
Peninsula Residents Association