Somerset Council has launched a new integrated Revenues and Welfare system for people across the county.
The project has brought together four separate Council Tax, Benefits and Business Rates systems inherited when Somerset Council became a unitary authority. These have been replaced by a single cloud-based platform provided by NEC.
The council says the new system will help the authority simplify its services, reduce complexity and provide residents with a more consistent experience, wherever they live in Somerset.
The new system will:
- Support simpler and more consistent services across Somerset.
- Provide improved digital self-service options for residents.
- Introduce a new electronic document management solution.
- Create more opportunities to automate processes and reduce duplication.
- Help teams work more consistently across the county.
Cllr Liz Leyshon, Deputy Leader of the Council and Lead Member for Finance, Procurement and Performance, said: “The launch of our new Revenues and Welfare system is an important step towards creating a simpler, more joined-up and digitally enabled council.
“Bringing four separate systems together has been a significant undertaking, but it gives us a strong foundation from which to improve our services further.
“In time, residents will benefit from a more consistent service and easier ways to access the support and information they need.
“I would like to thank everyone across the council and our delivery partners whose commitment, expertise and collaboration have made this possible.
“I’d also like to thank residents and businesses for their patience and apologise to anyone who has experienced inconvenience while we complete this transition.”
What happens next
The council is now working through the early stages of operating the merged system.
Over coming weeks, teams will:
- Monitor how the new system is performing.
- Support colleagues as they use the new platform.
- Embed the new processes across teams.
- Work to minimise disruption for residents.
The council says residents may experience some temporary delays while the new ways of working become fully established.
“Some residents and businesses will also receive tailored communications over the coming weeks about accessing services, managing their online accounts and any actions they may need to take.
“The council is working to minimise disruption and asks customers for their patience during this period.”
Cllr Leyshon added: “This achievement demonstrates what can be accomplished when colleagues and partners work together towards a shared goal.
“It will help us build more efficient, resilient and accessible services for Somerset’s residents.”