The Kent Benefits Partnership involves all of the 13 benefits authorities in Kent and Medway and it includes Kent County Council (KCC). The project aims to maximise council tax benefit take-up in the area.
The partnership processes new claims for council tax benefit for pensioner owner-occupiers for 10 of the 13 authorities. Once processed, the claim details are passed on to the 'home' council, which then deals with any subsequent changes
The team of assessment staff has access to all five different computer systems operated by the Councils involved. The IT links were enabled by the Kent Connects project and by KCC's ICT staff working with ICT staff in each district. Funding has been provided by all the councils involved along with a grant from the DWP Performance Standards fund. In 2005/06 the partnership is planning to expand so that it processes the full range on council tax and housing benefits.
The partnership is still at an early stage and as yet, the financial benefits are not clear. The launch event was held in Canterbury on 15 March 2004. This involved local politicians, voluntary and other public sector bodies and the press. The media coverage generated led to a huge initial response, some from as far away as West Sussex.
Press adverts ran in free newspapers and on commercial radio for seven and three weeks respectively. These ran immediately after the DWP 'Cut the council tax' adverts.
For the period 15 March to 30 April the following statistics apply:
- Telephone calls received and answered 1,700
- Newspaper coupons received 1,171
- Total enquiries 2,781
Within 12 months the Partnership has helped to increase council tax benefit take up directly by around 1,500 successful claims. The team of assessment staff is also a useful potential training ground for the district councils - one assessor has already moved from the project team to a council.
In relation to the efficiency challenge, what potential barriers did they encounter?
- Risk aversion
- Partnerships
- Staffing issues
- IT systems