Wednesday 20 July 2016

Debt Collectors Survey


A survey released by debt charity StepChange, looking into people experiences of debt collectors, reports that of the respondents who were contacted by HMRC, 28% said they were unfairly treated, while 41% said they were fairly treated.

Which contrasts to private companies thusly (and surprisingly) - of clients who had been contacted by payday and short term lenders, 28% said they had been treated unfairly. The organisations perceived to be least unfair were credit card companies – just 20% of clients said they had been treated unfairly, and high street banks – 21%.

Tax does have to be taxing.

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4 comments:

  1. And how many respondents said they had been treated fairly by private companies?

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  2. People find themselves with debt for a multitude of different reasons, ranging from some who are completely blameless through to those who refuse to pay and need a more robust approach. Debt collection, while treating everyone fairly & professionally, is not an easy job and you will not keep everyone happy. Its often said that if a debt collector does not get any complaints i.e. from those who refuse to pay, then they are simply not doing the job right. There are far too many within HMRC's debt collection units, and in particular field force, who are simply not up to the job. It could be done cheaper and more productively if hmrc outsourced it to the private sector.

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  3. Debt Management and Banking always seem to be far too quick to remit debt. A lack of resources will be blame and that will partially be correct. However, a much more harsh attitude might work wonders. Most taxpayers who pay tax via PAYE do not have the option of not paying their tax liability so why should these people be treated differently? Letting them off is unfair on those who their tax. After all, they have had the income. Have a tougher attitude, if necessary, go in and seize goods, sell them off at auction for a pittance if that's all they raise. Taking the telly hurts. After a while the message will hit home and others will pay up. Treat everyone fairly, make everyone pay their tax. The more elderly Collector would probably recognise this course of action.

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    Replies
    1. Remitting debt inappropriately goes right to the heart of fairness in the system. Having worked both PAYE and S/E, would have to say that planning to pay for the latter is a totally different ball game. That said, there are far too many 'customers' who won't pay, as opposed to those who can't pay. A firm but fair, tougher approach works for those taking the mick when it comes to professional debt collection. Its amazing how listing the telly, the games console, the smart phone and even the lawnmower focuses minds and is likely to result in payment without the need for auction - everyone's a winner. All this could be better delivered via outsourcing as field force have failed to deliver value...

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