Thursday 28 May 2009

I chaired the BMP Programme Board this morning which includes the Change Champions and Project Managers from each department. We're working our way through the issues log which addresses the numerous open items from across the business. We are planning departmental surgery sessions, including some one-to-ones for individual staff having trouble with the new procurement processes over the next few weeks so please watch out for these and contact your Change Champion to arrange attendance. These sessions will also cover elements of ESS and MSS (Employee / Manager Self Service). In addition to this we are installing a BMP icon onto every computer desk top that will take you straight to the "how do I do..." type questions and answers on the intranet. This should make getting help much quicker.

Last week the council tax team were preparing their year end performance figures regarding council tax collection rates which compare the net debit, after discounts and reliefs with the income collected during the year. Of the £229 million due in 2008/9, 98.2% was collected within the year. This figure does not include the collection of a further £3.9 million during 2008/9 in respect of arrears. Whilst there is always some room for improvement, this collection rate is all the more impressive when we consider not only the economic climate but the additional work undertaken by the revenues team in preparation for one council.

The Revenues & Benefits Manager is always keen to remind me that good collection levels are a reflection on the performance of the whole council and by providing excellent services to our customers it makes the often difficult job of collecting council tax considerably easier. Thank you and well done to the whole team.

Only one week to go now to the unitary election on June 4. I am acting as the Deputy Returning Officer for the Trowbridge area which will return 28 members to the council. So together with around 250 other staff we are busy preparing for the elections and running through all the last minute issues that crop up at this time. Watch out for the election results on the website during the afternoon and evening of June 5 to see the new political shape of the council.

Have a good weekend and talk again next week.

Carlton