HC Deb 12 June 1996 vol 279 c193W
Mr. Trend

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what performance targets have been set for the Rate Collection Agency in 1996–97. [33014]

Mr. Moss

For 1996–97 the following performance targets have been set for the agency:

  1. 1. To collect 98.5 per cent. of the gross collectable rate, excluding late assessments, by 31 March 1997.
  2. 2. To achieve a reduction of 5 per cent. in the real value of the unit costs of rate collection per hereditament over the next two years.
  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 1997 93 per cent. of applications for the incoming year received before 15 March 1997 from existing housing benefit recipients.
  5. 5. To achieve a reduction of 5 per cent. in the real value of the unit costs of processing housing benefit applications over the next two years.
  6. 6. To process 96 per cent. of housing benefit claims free of error.