Inverclyde Council has issued an update following its decision to enter into a new contract for the delivery of debt recovery and sheriff officer services.
The local authority has informed elected members it will turn to Glasgow-based firm Walker Love for these functions from the start of April.
It comes ahead of the termination of its existing agreement with Alex M Adamson which has been scheduled to take place at the end of March.
Councillors noted the appointment of Walker Love at a meeting of the policy and resources committee earlier this week.
Outlining the arrangements in a statement, the council said: “We outsource this work to professional agencies because a legal requirement prevents the council from carrying out specific functions such as the recovery of things like council tax, non-domestic rates, sundry debts, housing benefit overpayments and unpaid parking charge notices.
“Anyone who is already in contact with our current supplier will receive a formal letter from Walker Love in the following weeks, explaining the change-over, what this means for the individual and how their case will be continued.
“In the meantime, anyone with an arrangement to pay Alex M Adamson should continue to do so until they hear otherwise.”
A report that was considered at the council committee on Tuesday detailed how the handover will be handled by Alex M Adamson and Walker Love.
It said: “During the transition period, the incumbent supplier may continue to collect certain outstanding debts, while all new debts will be allocated to Walker Love with immediate effect.
“Appropriate communication will be issued to the public and businesses in advance to ensure awareness and a smooth transition.”
The local authority said it understands households can face money worries and pointed people towards the Advice First team to help in these situations.
