Debt Policy

Calderdale Music Trust Debt Policy

This policy aims to help Calderdale Music Trust adopt a consistent approach to debt with a longer term view of reducing liabilities to a bare minimum by limiting such debts to those incurred in wholly exceptional circumstances.

Where personal debt does occur within our organisation, it becomes necessary to use funding received from the Arts Council (ie monies intended to benefit the musical education of all children within Calderdale) to cover the shortfall..

Additionally, the time and resources needed to chase up such debt further diverts scarce resources from Calderdale Music Trust, resources which would more usefully be deployed in broadening provision of musical education to children within the area. Calderdale Music Trust is sure that every customer would agree that this is not acceptable and accordingly we urge customers to give this policy their full support.

Any customers who are experiencing difficulty in paying for a chargeable service offered by (and/or contracted with) Calderdale Music Trust should inform the office as soon as possible, in which event an appropriate payment plan will be put in place to address the problem in a constructive manner.

Debt Policy Information for Customers

Key Information

• All contracted services must be paid for in accordance with the terms outlined in the relevant contract of engagement
• All invoiced services must be paid within 14 days of issue of invoice
• A copy of the debt policy is available on our website

Calderdale Music Trust will follow the principles of good practice set out below:

• Operating an equitable charging structure
• Reviewing processes regularly to ensure fitness for purpose
• Promoting direct debit as the preferred method of payment with a range of other options available for those customers without ready access to this facility

Customers must always endeavour to pay in advance for services provided.

Payment can be made using any of the payment methods detailed below:

• Direct Debit – this is our preferred method
• Online via BACS payment
• Over the telephone by Card payment
• Cheque
• In cash during opening hours (8.30am to 4.30pm) at Calderdale Music Trust.

Where payment has not been received by the due date, a series of actions will be initiated by the Calderdale Music Trust:

• A gentle debt reminder issued via email or by post, allowing a further seven days for payment to be received.
• Personal contact will be made with the customer to resolve the situation by putting in place an agreed action plan for payment.
• If payment is not received within the agreed timescales (or if it proves impossible to establish personal contact and agree an action plan) all services provided will be terminated with immediate effect (and this action will be confirmed by email and/or post).

Please remember Calderdale Music Trust are here to help and will be sympathetic to individual circumstances. However, in certain cases where no progress can be made in resolving a debt situation it may be necessary for a claim to be pursued via the Small Claims Court.

We hope that implementation of this policy will help customers to manage payments in an appropriate manner and at the same time ensure that all Calderdale Music Trust funds remain available for their intended purpose.

If you have any concerns in relation to prompt payment please do not hesitate to contact:

Calderdale Music Trust

Unit 5, Heath Campus

Free School Lane

Halifax

West Yorkshire

HX1 2PS

Email: [email protected]

Tel: 01422 303060

Date of Issue December 2017