§ Ms. WalleyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what guidance he has issued to local authorities following the decision in Rv. Wolverhampton Justices ex parte Mould concerning the deduction from income support for the payment of community charge arrears; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Robin SquireIt is clearly sensible that authorities should consider all methods of recovery, including deductions from income support, before applying for a committal warrant. Community charge practice note 15 on enforcement of the community charge, (which was sent to all charging authorities, advises authorities to consider other available recovery options before seeking a warrant of commitment.