Computer systems to be upgraded

OUTDATED computer systems that handle benefit and housing claims for thousands of residents across the Yorkshire Dales are being upgraded for the first time in more than a decade.

Richmondshire Council has confirmed that the upgrade to the authority’s revenues, benefits and housing system is being carried out to bring in 21st century technology.

Officers have stressed there is not expected to be any disruption to existing and new claims or payments while the work is carried out.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

But the council’s assistant director, Simon Fletcher, asked customers to remain patient while the change-over takes place.

Mr Fletcher said: “The computer software we are using in Richmondshire has not been upgraded since the 1990s and is outdated.

“Although it will take eight weeks for us to move to the new system, customers, in the main, will be unaffected.

“However, we do ask them to bear with us if we are running a little slow during this time – we will get there and we will end up with a much more efficient service.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Housing benefits, council house rents and new claims will be treated and paid as normal, but anyone with a change of circumstances will have to cancel direct debit payments through their banks themselves.

But Mr Fletcher urged customers to check with customer service staff before taking any action.

The new system will go live at the end of September, and it will match the IT technology that is used by the neighbouring Hambleton Council.

The two councils have forged close links and are among the first authorities in the country to merge services.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

They now operate a shared revenues and benefits service as part of the drive to reduce costs amid the public sector cutbacks.

The Yorkshire Post revealed in November that sharing services had already saved £851,000 for both councils.