§ Ms MoranTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what performance targets have been set for the Rate Collection Agency in 1998–99. [48962]
§ Marjorie MowlamFor 1998–99, the following performance targets have been set for RCA.
Collection and Recovery of Rates
- To collect 97.50 per cent. of the gross domestic collectable rate, (excluding late assessments) by 31 March 1998.
- To collect 98.75 per cent. of the gross non-domestic collectable rate (excluding late assessments) by 31 March 1998.
227 - To achieve a reduction of 1 per cent. in the real value of the unit costs of collecting rates per hereditament.
- To generate refunds to 98 per cent. of ratepayers so entitled within 14 days of credits being identified.
Housing Benefit Administration
- To process by 31 March 1999,96 per cent. of applications for the incoming year received from Housing Benefit recipients before 15 March 1999.
- To achieve a reduction of 1 per cent. in the real value of unit costs or processing Housing Benefit cases.
- To assess 97 per cent. of Housing Benefit claims free of error.