Latest news with #ofBenefits
Leader Live
5 days ago
- Business
- Leader Live
Amount of council tax owed to Wrexham Council revealed
The Leader recently submitted a Freedom of Information (FOI) Act request to the council. In that, we asked the to provide provide; the total amount of outstanding council tax owed to Wrexham Council as of the most recent date available. We also asked for their the methods they use to recover these outstanding council tax debts and the total amount of council tax debt that has been written off in the past two years. In their response, they confirmed that a total amount of outstanding council tax owed to them is currently £11,741,072.47. TOP STORIES Cost of reverting 52 roads back to 30mph in Wrexham revealed Taxi driver to lose job after speeding in 20mph zone saw him stripped of licence 'Totally unique' floating markets to visit North Wales later this month They added: "Many accounts are on long term arrangements, or subject to Attachments of Earnings, Attachments of Benefits, or Enforcement Agent Action." They added that a sum of £988,000 has been written off over the last two years. Reasons for write-offs include bankruptcy, insolvency and deaths. Richard Weigh, Wrexham Council's chief officer for finance and ICT, said: 'Councils all over the country continue to face really tough financial challenges, and council tax plays a crucial role in helping to support the public services that all communities rely on. "So, it's important that we take action to recover council tax arrears in accordance with regulations. 'However, we know these are difficult times, and when residents contact the council about arrears, we do provide advice and support, and offer signposting where appropriate to various organisations and departments - both in-house and externally."
Malaysian Reserve
18-07-2025
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
NICB Warns Central North Carolina About Potential Contractor Fraud After Tropical Storm Chantal
OAK BROOK, Ill., July 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Tropical Storm Chantal has led to flooding in Central North Carolina resulting in homes, schools and businesses being destroyed or severely damaged. In response to this catastrophic weather event, the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), the nation's leading non-profit association dedicated to preventing insurance fraud and crime, is warning residents and business owners about potentially fraudulent contractors who prey on consumers in disaster areas. NICB agents are currently coordinating with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies, as well as NICB member insurance companies, to aid in the recovery process and support residents in preventing fraud. As first responder efforts subside, NICB agents will deploy in the region to assist our partners in combating any fraud that arises as the rebuilding process begins. 'North Carolina has declared a state of emergency in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Chantal,' said Bill Woolf, Mid-Atlantic regional director, NICB. 'As the conditions begin to improve, it is crucial for residents to be mindful that some contractors may promise help, ask for the assignment of benefits, and after being paid, disappear, never to be heard from again. Knowing the warning signs of potentially untrustworthy contractors can protect vulnerable citizens and deter this type of crime.' Fraud schemes may come from companies or individuals promising debris and tree removal, home construction and medical services. NICB urges affected residents to do their due diligence, check in with their insurance carrier and verify the credentials of anyone they plan to hire for a service. Common red flags include high-pressure sales tactics via door-to-door solicitation, online or by phone. Additionally, pushing residents to sign contracts on the spot – often with multiple blank spaces in them – demanding payment upfront, and even requiring an Assignment of Benefits agreement which transfers insurance rights to the contractor can be signals to double check credentials and credibility. NICB offers consumers a free downloadable contractor checklist available via this link: Other best practices include: Before a disaster Understand what's covered in your insurance policy Get a list of reputable contractors from your insurance carrier After a disaster Don't succumb to pressure from a contractor Be wary of door-to-door contractors Call your carrier or BBB to verify contractor Get multiple bids for work Never pay cash up front Never accept a verbal agreement Additional resources and information about hiring reputable contractors can be found by visiting Or, to report potential fraud call NICB's hotline at 1-800-TEL-NICB. About the National Insurance Crime Bureau: Headquartered in Oak Brook, Ill., the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) is the nation's leading not-for-profit organization exclusively dedicated to combatting and preventing insurance crime through Intelligence, Analytics, and Operations; Education and Crime Prevention; and Strategy, Policy, and Advocacy. NICB is supported by more than 1,200 property and casualty insurance companies and self-insured organizations. To learn more, visit
