Revamp for tax department

A REVAMP of the department that handles council tax and benefits payments has been ordered.

A pilot six-month scheme will start next month that will give customers the option of using a self-service telephone system in order to avoid lengthy telephone queues. A series of other measures, including contact centre shift changes and an attempt to increase take-up of direct debit, are also being introduced.

In a report for councillors, director of finance Donald McGougan said: "The peak period of service demand from annual billing in March 2010 through to the end of October 2010 has been a particularly challenging time."