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Have your say on the future of local councils in Surrey

Take part in a landmark Government consultation on proposals to replace Surrey's current councils with up to three larger authorities. We support a three unitary approach - Find out more and read our consultation question guide.

Join us for a special online engagement session hosted by the Leaders of Guildford and Waverley Borough Councils on Thursday 3 July from 7pm to 8pm via Microsoft Teams. We'll explain what Local Government Reorganisation is, outline the different options being considered, and show you how to get involved. Sign up for the session (opens new window).

Invoices and debt recovery policy

Invoices are raised for income to be paid to the authority at the request of service departments.

Council departments raise invoices promptly after the service has been provided. This is to maximise the council's cashflow. For VAT purposes they should be raised within two months of the date of the service being provided. Invoices can be raised up to the statutory limit of six years from the date that the service was provided. If an invoice is very late it should include a letter of explanation from the original officer.

Invoices are not made for amounts of less than £10, unless there are exceptional circumstances, as it is not cost effective.

Unpaid invoices go through an automatic recovery process of reminders and letters. They are then passed to the council's clerk and solicitor to start legal recovery.

In cases of hardship, arrangements can be made for payment of an invoice in instalments. Instalment plans for a period of more than six months may be agreed in certain circumstances. They will only be authorised once the customer has completed and returned an application form.

We publish the ways to make payment on the back of all invoices and on the website. We can provide invoices in a larger format if required.

For more information call 01483 505050.