Electronic signatures introduced for benefit claims

The way that Housing and Council Tax benefit claims are dealt with by Rochdale Borough Council is set to change thanks to a new electronic signature system.

Rochdale Council already receives over 90% of claims electronically, one of the highest online take-up rates in the country.

This figure is set to rise still further following the latest innovation which enables customers to submit a ‘signed’ form online.

The system is easy to use with customers simply ticking a box on screen to confirm their declaration. This means they can complete their claims more quickly as the council will no longer need to send out a declaration form for signing.

As well as improving customer satisfaction the electronic signatures are expected to save the council money through reduced postal costs and administrative procedures.

Councillor Farooq Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Finance at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “Electronic signatures are an excellent way of ensuring that claimants receive the money they are entitled to as quickly as possible while also making the system more efficient.

“We are working towards becoming a digital and paperless council and this is an important step in that direction.

“The introduction of electronic signatures will make things more straightforward both for those making claims and those processing them.

“I hope that as many people as possible with internet access will use this new system of submitting claims.”