In September 2003, Erewash Borough Council asked Public Sector Consultants to assist in improving its operational performance in Revenues and Benefits with the initial brief of concentrating on improving the Council Tax collection. Rob Smith, one of our experienced Benefits and Revenues consultants was able to assist Erewash in increasing its collection rate from 92% to over 94%, the 3rd improved Council in the country and highest in year collection figure ever achieved by the Council. Also, the previous year's arrears were reduced significantly.
This year, Erewash was keen to extend Public Sector Consultants' involvement and we are carrying out a full 'root and branch' review of its Exchequer Department to enable the Council to make sustainable improvements to operations and performance. We have plans which are being implemented throughout 2004 including a new staffing structure, a performance management framework and a skills audit of all of the staff. The review will result in significant changes to the way that the Exchequer Department operates and is due to be completed by March 2005. Rob Smith said "When I first arrived, I found that the Council had suffered a number of problems including a troublesome change to a new Benefits and Revenues computer system and difficulty in retaining and recruiting staff. Through the work that we have undertaken, operational performance has improved considerably and this will be sustained in the future."
Ian Sankey, Director of Corporate Services commented, "I have been delighted with the services provided by Public Sector Consultants. Working alongside existing staff, Rob and his colleagues have made a major difference to the quality of service we deliver. When Public Sector Consultants was first approached for assistance, the performance levels in revenues and benefits were such that we faced the real prospect of intervention by way of privatisation. Whilst we still have some way to go, the Council has achieved a massive step change in performance and I am in no doubt that this could not have been achieved without the professionalism and expertise offered by Public Sector Consultants".
