Council teams reach finals of major national awards

They are battling for the top title against three other Council finalists in the awards scheme run by the Institute of Revenues, Rating and Valuation (IRRV).  

The winners will be announced at the organisation's annual conference in Telford on Tuesday 20th September.  

As part of the judging process a panel from the IRRV undertook an inspection last month, where the Council's Revenues and Benefits staff gave a presentation on their achievements.

They also took the panel to see the mobile team in action at Westcliff Library.  

For the Excellence in Customer Service award category, judges wanted organisations to demonstrate they had excelled in customer service.  

Their stringent requirements also included: "Evidence of high levels of customer satisfaction (both face to face and by other channels) and/or rapid improvement in satisfaction levels due to new practices."

Southend-on-Sea Borough Council's Executive Councillor for Corporate Support Services, Councillor Andrew Moring said: "Congratulations to our Revenues and Benefits Teams for being shortlisted amidst some very hot competition.

"This is a terrific achievement, and we wish them the best of luck for the final stage of the awards process.  

"We know that the judging panel was impressed with the Benefits Team's Mobile Working Service operating from libraries across the borough, giving benefits advice face to face.  

"The panel also highlighted the positive feedback from Customers.  

"In addition, panel members were interested in the flexible payment arrangements and range of direct debit dates offered by the Revenues teams - especially because these have not impacted on collection rates."