Harbours Debt Reduction
5 December 2001

HARBOURS DEBT GREATLY REDUCED OVER THE PAST YEAR

The amount of debt at harbours managed by The Highland Council has been significantly reduced over the past two years thanks to the introduction of new tighter controls on debt.and the vigilance of the Councils debt recovery team.

The debt, outwith the 30 day payment period, has been cut from (Pounds)963,000 in January last year to (Pounds)573,069 - 4.8% of the annual turnover - as reported to the Fishery Harbour Management Board at Lochinver on Tuesday.  The success has been attributed to dedicating staff to work full time on harbour debt recovery; offering a 2.5% discount for payments made against fuel sales; chasing debt five days before the 60-day threshold; and then removing the right to buy fuel from council outlets if the debt is not cleared in 60
days.

The Board has agreed to remove the right to buy fuel with harbour dues debt over 60 days.  Councillor Charlie King, Fishery Harbour Management Board chairman, said: "The report presented to our most recent meeting is most encouraging. Through the positive and effective action we have taken, the 30-day plus debt has been significantly reduced.  "The debt recovery team has done a first class job and deserve the highest
praise. They are working closely with customers to ensure debts are paid or reduced by devising payment plans. It is unfortunate that an impression has been given that there is an ongoing problem. We have made real progress and are determined to maintain the momentum, working closely with the industry, who
have responded well to our debt recovery initiatives.

"We are also beginning to see the benefits of having our harbour management team based in the heart of the Highland fishing trade in Lochinver".