Extending Links to Government

Wider opportunities to transform the way benefits are administered is currently being reviewed by government departments. Particularly as some 50% to 95% of the information collected via the Housing Benefits application process is required for the claiming of any of the other 61 welfare benefits a citizen may be eligible for.

Rotherham MBC is keen to promote the original National Project vision that was agreed with government departments to achieve a benefits system of the future that:

• Is focused around claimants' needs, by providing a joined-up, accessible and seamless service. 
• Provides benefit advisors with tools to deliver a positive customer experience. 
• Ensuring a claimant is aware of their entitlements, irrespective of which department or agency is ultimately responsible for administering a particular claim. 
• Allows a claimant to submit a single claim for a range of benefits irrespective of which agency administers the benefit.
• Encourages claimants' to seek employment by providing tools to calculate their potential financial position for any particular job. 
• Minimises claims that are made in error or calculated incorrectly. 
• Is flexible enough to be customised to each particular customer segment requirements (for example integrated into a wider service for Third Age citizens).
• Enables a more efficient administration process by reducing duplication and streamlining information flows between agencies and thereby provides quality service for customers and efficiency gains in central and local government.

A next phase of work looking at the possibilities of extending the links and connectivity of the eBenefits system with key government departments is being considered, and is expected to be set in the context of the government’s wider strategy for transformational government published by the Cabinet Office and reform of the welfare system.