HC Deb 18 May 1995 vol 260 c357W
Mr. David Wilshire

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what performance targets have been set for the Rate Collection Agency in 1995–96. [25533]

Mr. Moss

For 1995–96 the following performance targets have been set for the agency:

  1. 1. To collect 98.11 per cent. of the gross collectable rate, excluding late assessments, by 31 March 1996.
  2. 2. To achieve a reduction of 2 per cent. in the real value of the unit costs of rate collection per rate account issued.
  3. 3. To generate refunds to 97 per cent. of ratepayers so entitled within 14 days of credits being identified.
  4. 4. To process by 31 March 1996 90 per cent. of applications for the incoming year received before 15 March 1996 from existing housing benefit recipients.
  5. 5. To achieve a reduction of 2 per cent. in the real value of the unit costs of processing Housing Benefit applications.
  6. 6. To process 95 per cent. of Housing Benefit claims free of error.