Further to minute 430 (19 March 2009), the Director of Finance provided an update in relation to the change to the valuation for rating purposes of what were previously described as Dock Undertakings. He commented upon the national picture and reported upon the outcome of the Wirral valuation exercise, undertaken by the Valuation Office Agency, which had begun in April 2008. All occupiers had been billed for their liabilities from 2005 and he outlined the consequential local economic impact of firms being termed insolvent, if they were unable to pay a ‘now due’ bill. He provided details of the commercial companies involved and set out the options available to the Council in relation to recovery of debt.

Resolved –

(1)  That each occupier be informed of the position of sums due and invited to consider requesting spread or scheduled payments over an extended period but that if non payment continues then normal recovery action be taken.

(2)  That, prior to the commencement of any recovery action, a further update report be presented to a future meeting.