Somerset Council is continuing to upgrade its system for Council Tax, Benefits and Business Rates. We are merging our legacy district services into one, so that we have one system for the whole of Somerset.
System Downtime
From 5pm on 25 June the current Revenues and Welfare (previously known as ‘Benefits’) systems will be unavailable for several weeks. The exact duration is subject to progress, and we will share updates as soon as we have more certainty.
The completion of this important update will bring a new, improved customer portal and easier payment options, but there will be some temporary disruption to services while the final stage of the changeover takes place.
The downtime may mean there is a temporary increase in outstanding work, as the service continues to manage the move from older systems to the new system. During this final period of downtime, due to the move to one system, some services will not be available.
A plan is in place to manage this, and we will work as quickly as possible to reduce any backlog and minimise the impact.
Councillor Liz Leyshon, Deputy Leader of the Council and Lead Member for Resources, Procurement and Performance, said:
“This move to one system for Somerset’s Council Tax, Benefits and Business Rates is a critical part of the move to one unitary Somerset Council. The data from the four former district councils is now all on the same system. The final phase is to merge into one database so that we are able to more effectively and efficiently work as one team for Revenues and Welfare
“We apologise for this further period when some services are not available, but please be assured that housing benefit, direct debits and other payments will continue as usual, and we will prioritise further resources to ensure that we reduce any backlog as swiftly as possible. Thank you for your patience during this hugely important piece of work.”
What this means for residents
During this time:
- Online Forms – Claims for benefits or changes in circumstance will still be available to submit. All other forms to report changes or make applications will be unavailable until the system is back up.
- Our new customer portal to view your council tax account will not be available until the system is back up.
- Customer Services – From 5pm on 25 June Customer Services will not be able to record any changes or complete applications during this time but will continue to give advice.
- Our website pages will show updates and will let you know when services are back.
- Housing Benefit customers. Payments will continue as usual during the downtime. We don’t anticipate having any issues with benefit payments.
- Payments online and via the automated telephony line can be made as normal.
- Direct Debits will also continue as normal. We don’t anticipate having any issues with Direct Debits. Residents in South Somerset may get a notification from their bank about a change to their Service User Number. The name we collect under is now R&B Somerset Council.
- Barcodes on your Council Tax Bill – You can continue using your barcode on the back of your bill to make payments at any Post Office or Pay Point location. To find your nearest Pay Point, go to www.allpay.net/outlets
Updates and reassurance
We will keep you informed of updates and changes via the important notices to residents webpage
Residents are reminded that the council will never contact them to ask for bank details by phone, email or text message.
