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Faster Route to Housing Benefits Gains Approval
A new fast-track benefit claims system which sees housing and Council tax benefit claimants getting payments in less than a week, has seen Great Yarmouth Borough Council receive a pat-on-the back from a Government Minister and a resident. The system, which has been piloted from November, was adopted in January.
“The process we have devised sees claimants filling in a form using a set of instructions which explains everything to them and gives them a check-list,” explained Head of Revenue Services Derek Baker.
“Once that is completed we ask for all documentary evidence to be submitted at the same time, once we have that the claim takes just a few days to process.
“The part that is really helping people is a tick box form which lists the information they need to be sure they bring everything with them.
“We have also trained the customer service staff to check the claims to ensure everything is there when the claimant brings it in.
“Under the old system all claims just went into a queue, now we can get things moving straight away. All we ask is please ensure you do have everything you need, or we cannot begin to work on the claim until we have all the information.”
“The new system has been the result of close work between the Revenues and Benefits team and Customer Service,” said Councillor Barry Cunniffe Cabinet Member for Customer Services.
“The pilot has shown that the public are pleased with the new system and we have had a letter from James Plaskitt, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Commons) saying that he is particularly interested in the scheme and the difference it has made to claimants.
“We believe it may be a system which is adopted nationally.”
A new claimant Daren Barret of Great Yarmouth was also pleased to sing the praises of the system.
During November Mr Barret applied for help with his rent. In the past he has found this type of claim has taken several weeks to complete.
“The new system is so easy to use,” said Mr Barrett. “I just filled in the forms using the new guidelines and handed it in. The fast-track system meant I had the money in a week.
“I think this new system is good news.”
“I am impressed that an excellent team effort, and establishing good working practices, has devised this new system which makes such a difference to claimants,” said Council Leader Barry Coleman.
For details of how to use the system call 01493 846291. A form and the guidelines will be sent to you, or you can pick them up from Trafalgar House in Great Yarmouth between 9am and 5pm.
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