Revenues and Benefits

Published by Danny Calogero for Fellows Associates in Local Government and also in Bill Payments, Central Government, Communities, Housing

Revenue and Benefits

Quicker benefit payments, electronic billing and a faster turnaround on benefit applications are just some of the improvements achieved by a new computer system which is being used by Cheshire East Council’s Revenue and Benefits Team.

Revenue and Benefits deal with council tax, business rates, council tax benefit and housing benefit. They handle 400 million pounds worth of benefits annually.

The Council previously operated three different computer systems from different suppliers, which were inherited from the three former authorities. It was decided that one system would streamline operations leading to improved customer service and a reduction in costs.

A full tendering process was carried out and Northgate Public Services were selected as the Council’s preferred supplier. A contract was signed in May and the system went live in December.

The system has cost £444,000, and the investment is anticipated to pay for itself in just five years. This will be done through savings achieved by reductions in licence fees, audit fees and training costs.

The system is hugely important and three separate Council departments were involved in the project: Revenue and Benefits; Shared Services; and Information Communication Technology. Up to now 120 officers have been trained in its use

Councillor David Brown, Cabinet member with responsibility for performance and capacity, said: “This new system is already improving the service we offer to the thousands of people across Cheshire East who use our revenue and benefits system.

“This year our benefits team has identified an extra £575,783, across a range of benefits to assist the people of Cheshire East.

“This project has been extremely well managed, resulting in it being delivered in record time and I would like to thank everyone who has been involved. It is great example of the Council working with others to deliver for Cheshire East.”

Joe Bradley, Managing Director of Northgate Public Services said: “We are proud of our partnership with Cheshire East. It shows above all that relationships matter and are essential to delivering success.

“Now more than ever we have to develop new ways of working to provide more productive and better service to the public for less. Our people worked together as one team. They are united by a common aim – to get the job done and to do it well to deliver for all of the residents of Cheshire East.”

Ends

For further information please contact:
Media Relations Officer: James Beetham
Direct line: 01270 685945
Mobile: 07787266483
Email: james.beetham@cheshireeast.gov.uk