Council Tax and Housing Benefits Computer Upgrades Under Way

North Norfolk District Council is currently upgrading the computer system used by its benefits service, to introduce new features that will improve the way the service works.

The new software will allow customers to be paid directly into their bank accounts, will give NNDC a foundation for making aspects of the benefits service available online, and will give the Council far better performance management information - the information NNDC needs to know how well the service is performing, and where it needs to improve.

The upgrade, and ensuing data-checking and quality control, should be finished by the end of this week.

However, while the upgrade is in progress, NNDC benefits officers cannot make changes to any information held about claimants and their circumstances. So, while they can answer customers' queries from their records (using information that was current up to the moment the upgrade began last week), there will be a delay in processing new claims or updating existing information.

It is not known how long that delay will last, but extra temporary staff have been taken on to ensure it is overcome as quickly as possible.

If any benefits claimants find themselves in financial hardship as a result of these delays, and have not been contacted by NNDC already, they should call the benefits service on 01263 516260. NNDC may arrange for payments to be made to help in the interim.

Also, alongside the new software, the benefits service is introducing a new style of letters and forms, which should make the process of applying for and receiving benefits clearer and smoother for claimants.

For more information about these improvements, call Revenues and Benefits Services Manager Louise Wolsey on 01263 516081.

ENDS