Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council (SMBC) was forced to write off thousands of pounds in uncollected historic debt, latest figures reveal.

The figures for the first quarter of the year – between April and June – came under the spotlight at the latest meeting of the cabinet portfolio holder for resources decision session on September 14.

Councils across the country often have trouble recovering debt and there can be various reasons authorities fail to collect the much-needed cash.

A senior council officer can sign off unrecoverable debt below £10,000 with this reported back to the cabinet member.

The latest officer's report shows a total of £125,538 was written off by this method in that three month period.

The write-offs made by officer Andrew Felton, the council's director of resources, included:

• £111,668 in rents and leaseholders
• £9,608 in sundry income (items which were invoiced but no cash received)
• £3,225 in council tax
• £1,005 in housing benefit overpayments

Officers write in their report: "We take a proactive approach to the collection of monies owed to the council.

"Where payment is not forthcoming, action to recover debt is taken through the courts and via tracing and collection agents.

"Where no further action can be taken to recover the outstanding balances, these are considered for write-off."

Meanwhile the portfolio holder Cllr Dave Pinwell, approved the latest debt write off – for debts over £10,000 – totalling £396,570.

Private details of these aren't discussed or in the public session of the meeting or included on public papers.

During the meeting Cllr Jamie Campbell asked: "If there was any help you needed what would it be to improve these metrics?

"Is there anything more we could do – have you got enough resource?"

Council officer Louise Lynch replied "Over the last five or six years collection has changed.

"We have got the challenges with cost of living, pressure there.

"Previously we would look to collect 98 per cent within the year, now we have to be more realistic. People might just need longer to pay.

"I don't think there is one thing lacking, it's a sign of the times."

Cllr Pinwell added: "I had a look at previous years to compare.

"Figures are a bit up, a bit down in terms of movement over three years.

"I think you would regard yourself as on track."