Issue - meetings

Purpose of Report

To provide the Shared Revenues and Benefits Joint Committee with an update on performance in the Revenues and Benefits Shared Service.

Decision

That the report be noted, with an update to be presented to the next meeting of the Committee on 30 May 2024.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

None.

Reason for Decision

The report provided an update on Revenues and Benefits performance in respect of Quarter 3 for the financial year 2023/24.

The Revenues and Benefits Shared Service had now been in operation for twelve years since 1 June 2011, and performance had largely been maintained and improved whilst continuing to provide value for money. Continual improvement and success was being achieved in both statistical and financial performance, as well as positive outcomes for customers of the partner local authorities. However, the Covid-19 global pandemic and then cost of living challenges had understandably impacted on some areas of performance and these impacts were likely to continue for many more months.

In respect of Council Tax, up to the end of Quarter 3 2023/24, in-year collection for Lincoln was down by 1.47% and North Kesteven was up by 1.05% respectively. Figures for the end of January 2024 were similar again.

Council Tax Support caseloads had recently been falling following a sharp rise during Covid-19, however, with ongoing cost of living pressures on residents there was potential this fall in caseloads may not continue. Officers were also looking into CTS take-up activity as it was felt that this possibly was being underclaimed by residents.

In respect of Business Rates, up to the end of Quarter 3 2023/24 compared to the same point in 2022/23, in-year collection was up for Lincoln by 0.09%, North Kesteven down by 2.92% and West Lindsey down by 0.24%. As at the end of January 2024, Lincoln and West Lindsey were still up, however, North Kesteven was down by 1.72%

The number of outstanding Revenues Customers at the end of Quarter 3 2023/24 was 849 (split Lincoln 550, North Kesteven 299) This was a slight increase from the figure at end of Quarter 2 2023/24 (total 782), however with significant demands on the team plus recruitment taking place in respect of vacant positions – the team had performed well to maintain (relatively) this position. Three newly recruited staff members were starting work in March 2024.

As at the end of Quarter 3 2023/24, in period collection of Housing Benefit overpayments stood at 107.42% for City of Lincoln, and North Kesteven 103.78%. These positive collection levels had continued in January 2024

Outstanding Housing Benefit overpayments debt also continued to decrease overall. As at the end of Quarter 3 2023/24: at £2,324,486 for City of Lincoln and £1,233,565 for North Kesteven.

As at the end of Quarter 3 2023/24, there were 2,099 Benefits customers outstanding and awaiting assessment (split Lincoln 1,481, North Kesteven 618). This was an increase from the total outstanding (1,696) at end of Quarter 2 2023/24. However, the team were working hard  ...  view the full minutes text for item 23

Purpose of Report

To provide the Shared Revenues and Benefits Joint Committee with an update on performance in the Revenues and Benefits Shared Service.

Decision

That the report be noted, with an update to be presented to the next meeting of the Committee on 22 February 2024.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

None.

Reason for Decision

The report provided an update on Revenues and Benefits performance in respect of Quarter 2 for the financial year 2023/24.

The Revenues and Benefits Shared Service had now been in operation for twelve years since 1 June 2011, and performance had largely been maintained and improved whilst continuing to provide value for money. Continual improvement and success was being achieved in both statistical and financial performance, as well as positive outcomes for customers of the partner local authorities. However, the Covid-19 global pandemic and then cost of living challenges had understandably impacted on some areas of performance and these impacts were likely to continue for many more months.

In respect of Council Tax, up to the end of Quarter 2 2023/24, in-year collection for Lincoln were down by 1.70% and North Kesteven was down by 1.08% respectively compared to the end of Quarter 2 2022/23. At the end of October 2023, there had been little change for both Lincoln and North Kesteven.

Council Tax Support caseloads had recently been falling following a sharp rise during Covid-19, however, with ongoing cost of living pressures on residents there was potential this fall in caseloads may not continue.

In respect of Business Rates, up to the end of Quarter 2 2023/24 compared to the same point in 2022/23, in-year collection was down for Lincoln by 3.43%, North Kesteven down by 6.48% and West Lindsey down by 8.30%. Therefore, in-year collection for Quarter 2 2022/23 was effectively ‘inflated’. It was expected that the level of shortfall in 2023/24 in-year collection rate would reduce over quarter 3 and then into Quarter 4. It should also be noted that collection had been ‘skewed’ somewhat in recent financial years due to varying criteria/awards of the Expanded Retail Discount (ERD).

The number of outstanding Revenues Customers at the end of Quarter 2 2023/24 was 797 (split Lincoln 402, North Kesteven 362) – this continued the positive direction of travel and position, achieved through improved processes and recruitment to vacant roles within the team.

As at the end of Quarter 2 2023/24, in period collection of Housing Benefit overpayments stood at for City of Lincoln 108.72%, and North Kesteven 97.02%.

Outstanding Housing Benefit overpayments debt also continued to decrease overall. As at the end of Quarter 2 2023/24: at £2,402,885 for City of Lincoln and £1,258,896 for North Kesteven. Although North Kesteven had fallen below 100%, and outstanding debt had risen (but only by £1,759) – there were no concerns as collection remained high.

As at the end of Quarter 2 2023/24, there were 1,696 Benefits customers outstanding and awaiting assessment (split Lincoln 1,156, North Kesteven 540). This figure compared favourably to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 17