The Bridgnorth and South Shropshire Revenues Partnership (BASSRP) was formed in recognition that by working together, the two councils could increase their capacity to improve and their resilience against problems. The partnership went 'live' in April 2006.
Both councils cover large rural areas but with a relatively small population. The total number of domestic properties for both councils is around 44,000. The councils are geographically close and good relationships at officer and member level exist between the organisations. The partnership has taken a gradual approach to dealing with the change. Key features of the success to date include:
- Obtaining staff buy-in at an early stage
- Researching what others have done well - such as the Anglia Revenues partnership
- Support from members in both councils
- Free sharing of information - trust between the partners
- Sharing ideas
- Extensive consultation
- Empowered managers, allowed to 'get on with it'
- Gradual approach - revenues will follow after benefits
As well as improving capacity and resilience, both councils also expect to make financial savings - at least £30,000 2006/07. Additional financial benefits through IT and licences are also expected.
South Shropshire had traditionally strong levels of performance and these have been maintained. Bridgnorth DC recently changed their software system, which obviously affected their performance but has seen a good level of improvement since the merger took place:
| |
QTR 1, 2006/2007 |
QTR 2, 2006/2007 |
Current position |
| New claims |
57.98 (due to implementation of new computer system and changes in working practices) |
39.64 |
22.82 |
| Changes in circumstances |
13.26 |
9.72 |
6.3 |
The councils feel to have maintained their identities with the partnership in place, and indeed maintain a 'healthy competition'. Management information is reported regularly to members, and the revenues service is expected to be part of the partnership from April 2007.