§ Lord Juddasked Her Majesty's Government:
What targets they have set for the Rural Payments Agency 2001–02. [HL813]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Lord Whitty)We have set the Rural Payments Agency the following performance targets for 2001–02.
98WA
Issues and Aims 2007–02 Target Operational Service Performance To process at least 98.5% of valid claims correctly and in doing so: To process at least 96.14% of IACS claims by value within the EU deadline. To process at least 98% of CAP claims within ministerial deadlines and all claims within the set EU Commission deadlines or in their absence 60 days. To carry out 100% on-the-spot inspections for CAP schemes in accordance with EU targets, subject to agreed derogations. To meet all targets set for customer service. Financial and Control Performance To operate within the resource and cash allocations in RPA's request for resources (RfR), as agreed with DEFRA. To agree and implement a comprehensive RPA risk management plan by 31 March 2002. To implement procedures for the production of a statement of internal controls as part of the audited annual report and accounts for 2001–02. To obtain full paying agency accreditation from the competent authority from 16 October 2001. To ensure that disallowance within the control of RPA remains below 0.5% of the value of CAP payments made by the agency. Fair, Responsive Quality Services Performance To develop and operate a procedure for handling complaints that will be transparent and efficient and compliant with best practice as identified by the Cabinet Office. RPA will also participate in any mechanism that is operated by the department and the devolved administrations that provides an opportunity for independent evaluation of an appeal. To develop the use of the Industry Forum set up in August 2001, and by 31 March 2002, to establish additional further specialist sub-groups in support to enable close and effective communication with, and involvement of all RPA customers. To develop and implement a RPA quality strategy by 31 March 2002. Efficiency Performance RPA change programme to deliver change programmes as identified in programme plan and in the corporate plan for 2001–02. To deliver key milestones of the RPA change programme, as agreed with the Regional Overview Board. To maintain/ensure business continuity and customer satisfaction during the RPA change programme.
Issues and Aims 2001–02 Target Policy Advice To meet the needs of policy divisions in providing operational advice in support of CAP policy formation. Valuing Staff To implement an action plan to remain accredited following the IiP review in February 2002 and the plan for the culture change programme. To continue the roll out of diversity workshops with the intention to achieve 80% coverage of all management staff by 31 March 2002.