Floods across the country
A newly published study by the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology calls last winter’s flooding the ‘most extreme on record in the UK’, with November 2015 to January 2016 being the wettest three-month period since 1910.
Positive policy pays with council tax support cases
As ministers discuss whether to allow local authorities to cover the rising cost of social care by increasing council tax, we at Dukes Bailiffs are considering the impact it'd have on councils' poorest residents. I've been thinking in particular about how to effectively recoup those small unpaid balances without unduly pressuring people who want to pay, but can’t afford to do so.
Finding the real Added Value in procurement
The general definition of ‘added value’ in procurement tenders and contracts is often obscured by cultural shifts in business and local government. All it really refers to are the non-cash benefits that come as part of the procurement process. What those are, how they're determined and whether they’re acceptable is open to debate.
Exploring reforms in the UK enforcement industry
July 2016 saw the release of Lord Justice Briggs’ 12-month review into the effectiveness of the civil courts. Ever since, enforcement professionals like myself have been considering the intriguing reforms published in the report. In my opinion, the reforms could open up new possibilities for private enforcement companies.
Fighting fraud in litigation
My colleague recently attended a workshop about fraud in litigation at the Civil Court Users Association (CCUA), where lawyers discussed concerns over courts' handling of identity fraud. After being debriefed about this session, it became clear to me that this is a big issue for the debt enforcement industry, and it’s time for us to consider solutions.
UK public sector turning to automation technology
We all benefit from technology. Even before you leave for work in the morning, you might have used the alarm clock on your smartphone or a coffee maker to brew a freshly ground espresso. The point is this: technology has the power to automate our lives for the better.
How can UK water suppliers prepare for drought?
A state of drought was officially declared in Southeast England in February 2012, with below average rainfall causing rivers to run dry and reservoir banks to be exposed. At the time, residents in the region were urged to limit showers to four minutes and turn off taps while brushing their teeth. The situation eventually improved and severe drought was avoided, but the experience raised the issue of prevention.
Mixed results for UK economy in summer 2016
Brexit has produced numerous for and against debates at every level of British life, with varying degrees of confidence and concern. Now that several weeks have passed, the first wave of viable statistics has emerged, leaving politicians and economists to determine the implications.