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Debt collection in the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic

View profile for Giles Dobson
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In these uncertain times, no matter how big or small your business is, managing cash flow can be challenging. One particular difficulty for many firms is dealing with debt collection. Maximising debt collection should be a priority for your business to secure your financial future, but it may be tough to navigate during the pandemic. At present, many of your debtors may be struggling financially, or claim they are unable to pay invoices. 

One of the challenges we face as debt recovery solicitors is ascertaining the true financial circumstances of our clients' debtors and obtaining maximum recovery of debt. Many debtors may try to get out of their obligations, claiming that coronavirus has severely impacted their business - even when this is not true. In this article, we look at debt collection during the coronavirus pandemic, to help you understand what options are available to you. 

Communication is key 

It is more important than ever to keep in regular contact with debtors. In challenging times, it can be easy for people's minds to be focussed on other matters. You should ensure that you keep lines of communication open to fully understand the financial situation of those you are working with and to avoid costly disputes further down the line. In the first instance, try to come to an informal agreement with debtors who may have fallen behind. 

Act quickly if debts remain unpaid 

Most debtors are willing to work to resolve debts and invoice disputes to avoid further action. However, if a debtor refuses to pay, you will need to escalate the issue. Obtaining professional advice from a solicitor to review your options at an early stage can help. There is no need to attend a lawyer's office, as consultations can be carried out by telephone or video call.

When you have concerns about the debtors' ability to pay what is owed to you, commencing legal proceedings at an early stage may allow you to obtain some form of security sooner, meaning that if your debtor becomes insolvent, you have a better chance of recovering your debt.

Letters before action (LBA)

A debt recovery solicitor can send a letter before action (LBA) to your debtor or debtors at a minimal cost. Often a formal letter before action is enough to encourage a debtor to discuss their financial situation with you and to come to a suitable arrangement. A letter before action sets out:

  • Details of the debt;
  • The consequences of not responding to the letter before action;
  • Relevant deadlines for making a payment or responding to the letter before action;
  • The additional sum that can be claimed, such as interest and compensation under the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998.

                                             

Debt recovery court proceedings

If the debtor fails to make the payment or respond to the LBA, you can then take steps to begin court proceedings. Debt recovery proceedings are typically issued online through the County Court Bulk Centre (CCBC) or in paper form through the County Court Money Claims Centre (CCMCC), both of these are currently open and in operation, despite lockdown. 

Enforcement

If there is no response to the proceedings within 14 days, a County Court Judgment can be obtained confirming how much the debtor is liable to pay. This then allows for the enforcement of the debt.

In light of COVID-19, the Government made an amendment to the Taking Control of Goods Regulations (2013). At present, enforcement officers may not attend residential properties under writs of control. However, enforcement agents are working to contact debtors over the phone, by email and by text message. 

Furthermore, the Coronavirus Act 2020 also placed restrictions on the bringing of winding up proceedings. For up to date information on how debts can be enforced, you should consult a debt recovery solicitor. Please contact us for your initial free consultation today so that you can start down the road of ensuring payment of the outstanding debt that is due to your business and give the burden of that to us so that we can help and support you and your business by acting quickly. 

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