Action plan for Land & Property Services published

Finance Minister, Sammy Wilson, has welcomed the publication of an action plan aimed at enhancing the performance of the Land & Property Services Agency (LPS).

The action plan details how LPS will take forward recommendations from a review undertaken by the Performance and Efficiency Delivery Unit (PEDU), focusing on enhancing the capacity of the agency to meet its current and future challenges.

Welcoming the publication of the report and action plan, the Minister said: “Land and Property Services has a vital role to play locally, engaging with all ratepayers in Northern Ireland to ensure around £1billion of rates are collected each year.

“This money is crucial to the delivery of important public services at both the regional and local level, helping fund investment in health, education and infrastructure and the valuable local services provided by our councils.

“It is absolutely vital, particularly as financial constraints demand increased efficiencies, that organisations such as LPS critically examine their operations to ensure they are delivering the best possible services whilst making the most effective use of public funds. The people of Northern Ireland expect no less.

“It is also of utmost importance to ratepayers that they receive accurate and timely rate bills from LPS to help them plan their finances, particularly at a time when many individuals and businesses are going through difficult times.

“During my time as Environment Minister, I oversaw the implementation of a PEDU review into the Planning Service. Now, less than a year later, the Agency is progressing very well, processing times are falling, backlogs are down and performance against their targets has improved.

“I am pleased that LPS has been able to avail of the same expertise and trust that we will start to see further tangible improvements in the services provided by this important Agency.”

Notes to editors:

1. PEDU aims to help departments achieve improved service delivery to the citizen and its report on LPS comes after the successful completion of a similar piece of work with the Planning Service.
2. The PEDU Review Team was led by an independent review director and reported to a steering group that include two members from outside the Northern Ireland Civil Service. The review was also collaborative with the review team comprising two members of staff from LPS.
3. Copies of the report encompassing the LPS action plan are available from the LPS website.
4. All media queries should be directed to the Department of Finance and Personnel Press Office on 028 9052 7375. Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07699 715440 and your call will be returned.