The National Non Domestic Rates (NNDR) service in West Lindsey had been contracted out to the private sector. When this contract expired, a decision was made to return the service to the Council.
As West Lindsey no longer had staff with sufficient expertise to deal with business rates at, combining the service with East Lindsey – the neighbouring Council with an already effective service - was seen to be an effective solution.
The service is now run for both Councils from East Lindsey, although customers can make payments in both areas. Performance has improved since the partnership was formed - and both Councils benefit from improved economies of scale.
In relation to the efficiency challenge, what barriers did they encounter?
- Risk aversion
- Service policies
- Partnerships
- Staffing issues
- IT systems