This guide was designed to offer practical advice for securing improvements in the administration of revenues (council tax and business rates) and benefits (housing and council tax benefit). It is based on a comprehensive report that examines:
- the national context of revenues and benefits - including changes in legislation and guidance
- the costs of providing the services
- the approach councils take to changing how they deliver these services
- the successes and difficulties for partnerships in delivering transactional services
- the additional cost issues facing London boroughs
- how direct debit can contribute to improved efficiency
Background to the guide and the Efficiency Challenge report
The Audit Commission undertook this study because administration is costly. English councils spend £1 billion each year on collecting council tax and business rates and on processing housing and council tax benefit claims. The government's Efficiency Review expects councils to make efficiency savings of 2.5 per cent per annum. Transactional services are one area where councils can make savings.
Checklists
Follow the checklists for enablers and potential barriers to help you consider whether your organisation is ready for change in the administration of revenues and benefits services. Focus on the points that you answer negatively to. This will help you to identify your next steps to improvement.
