1. LB Lewisham: Using CIPFA data to improve and inform
The Financial Assessment team at Lewisham has undergone major changes over the past year
We had very little reported data of our own to help us shape the way forward
CIPFA benchmarking was seen as a clear way of obtaining information to inform and develop our on-going plans to improve and progress……
How we used the Data:
We looked for best results reported from other Councils and then investigated their practices. Benchmarking is a key tool to be used to implement Policy, best practice, VFM and should not be underestimated. We had no idea where we were in terms of resource, caseload or performance. What did good and / or bad performance actually mean? We wanted to know where we were, good and / or bad and by identifying those delivering “best in class” services, what we would need to do to improve.
Once we understood what “good” was, we were better able to identify what we needed to do to improve and where, as a service, we wanted to be.
How this benefitted the Council
Enabled us to see where improvements can be made and also where additional, more targeted data would be more meaningful going forward for all
What challenges have we faced?
Trying to deliver the best without understanding where we were or how we were performing!

2. Lewisham and CIPFA Benchmarking data
What we are doing now
Lewisham has significantly increased the speed at which assessments are created and finalised. We have done this by: intelligent use of Council and DWP databases, a new suite of letters dictating a timeframe for responses, specific information requests and a clear explanation of what will happen if this is not complied with. As an additional outcome, this has also significantly decreased telephone contact
Investigation of these two area’s have demonstrated that members need better guidance of what is required within reporting cells to make outcomes meaningful to all. This has already been noted by CIPFA
Generic assessments has created a more skilled workforce, better able to cover absence and more aware of the need to create and document working practices
This has been identified by members as a significant area of impact and concern by members. Financial assessments can be delayed and Revenue lost due to poor practice within ASC. These delays should form a separate reporting area so findings demonstrated and escalated
As above, Lewisham was very keen to understand what other members were doing to effectively collect debt. Reporting findings allows the Council to consider the way forward using validated information
What we needed to do Increase the speed of assessments Examine our caseload results in relation to others Seek out best practice from other members Create consistency within decision making Align and enforce synergies between ASC and FA Align and enforce synergies between FA and Debtors