Westmorland & Furness Council contract award to save taxpayers millions of pounds
The new system will help to administer Revenues and Benefits
Taxpayers will be saved millions of pounds after the award of a contract to introduce new software that will assist in administering Revenues and Benefits across the Westmorland and Furness Council area.
The software will replacing existing systems from the former Barrow, Eden and South Lakeland Councils with one that operates across the whole area.
It means an end to inefficiencies by streamlining the practices and creating a more consistent customer experience.
Cllr Andrew Jarvis, the council’s Cabinet Member for Finance, said:
“This consolidation will bring with it the opportunity for all residents, regardless of area, being able to access the same service, in the same way.
“This will enable the Revenues and Benefits Service to create a single system and processes, and for us to have a fully flexible workforce that can be more effectively targeted, based upon need and demand.
“It is expected there will be further benefits, including productivity and performance gain through streamlined and automated process improvements, reducing repetition."
Bringing in one system across the Westmorland and Furness area is estimated to save taxpayers in the region of £3.6m over the next decade.
Introduction of the new software will support a number of priorities set out in Westmorland and Furness’s Council Plan including the improved delivery of Housing Benefits, Council Tax Support and Council Tax discounts and exemptions.
The system is also expected to support people in need and reduce financial inequality.