Council to outsource revenues and benefits services

HART District Council has decided to outsource its benefits, council tax and business rates collection service to the private sector company Capita.

The move is aimed at “securing longer term resilience of the services and savings for the local council tax payers of Hart.”

This follows a decision earlier this year to join forces with Hampshire County Council for the delivery of its payroll service.

Cllr Stuart Bailey, Cabinet Member for Finance, said: “Hart is a small, largely rural shire district with limited resources and we have to carefully consider the most effective and efficient way of delivering our services.

“Our decision follows an open minded review of service delivery. We have decided to go with what represents best value for money for the taxpayers of this district and which will maintain a local presence and a high standard of service.”

Staff transferring to Capita as part of the new service will be looked after as part of the council’s commitment to being a good employer.

It is expected that the transfer will take place at the start of the new financial year subject to the completion of detailed contract negotiations.

Further details please contact:

Cllr Stuart Bailey on 01252 674379, email stuart.bailey@hart.gov.uk or
Viv Evans, Corporate Director on 01252 774425, email viv.evans@hart.gov.uk