Rate Collection Agency

HC Deb 19 May 1999 vol 331 cc364-5W

Mrs. Ellman

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what performance targets have been set for the Rate Collection Agency in 1999–2000. [84929]

Marjorie Mowlam

For 1999–2000, the following performance targets have been set for the RCA.

Collection and Recovery of Rates To collect 97.55 per cent. of the gross domestic collectable rate, (excluding late assessments) by 31 March 2000. To collect 98.80 per cent. of the gross non-domestic collectable rate (excluding late assessments) by 31 March 2000. To achieve a reduction of I per cent. in the real value of the unit costs of collecting rates per hereditament. To generate refunds to 98 per cent of ratepayers to 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 2000. 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.