§ Dr. GodmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what performance targets have been set for the Rate Collection Agency in 1997–98. [5243]
§ Marjorie MowlamFor 1997–98 the following performance targets have been set for RCA:
Collection and recovery of rates
1. To collect 97 per cent. of the gross domestic collectable rate, (excluding late assessments) by 31 March 1998.
2. To collect 98.55 per cent. of the gross non-domestic collectable rate (excluding late assessments) by 31 March 1998.
3. To achieve a reduction of 5 per cent. in the real value of the unit costs of collecting rates per hereditament over the two year period to 31 March 1998.
4. To generate refunds to 97 per cent. of ratepayers so entitled within 14 days of credits being identified.
Housing benefit administration
5. To process by 31 March 1998, 95 per cent. of applications for the incoming year received from housing benefit recipients before 15 March 1998.
6. To achieve a reduction of 5 per cent. in real value of unit costs of processing housing benefit cases over the two year period to 31 March 1998.
7. To assess 97 per cent. of housing benefit claims free of error.