Finance ICT and Property

Director - Sian Davies

There are six divisions within the Finance ICT and Property Directorate, split into a number of sections.

1. Financial Services Division

• TransAct - payment of salaries and wages; administration of tax credits, student loan and child support deductions for staff; statutory sick and maternity pay schemes; car mileage allowances;
• Payments and Income Management - creditors, administration and collection of sundry debts; car loans for staff and foster carers, NI and tax; cashiering service at the Civic Offices and area cash offices.
• The objective of the Payment and Income Management Section is to make efficient effective and economic arrangements for the payment of moneys due from the council to its suppliers and employees. 
• Revenues and Benefits Section - billing, administration, collection and recovery of Council Tax and Business rates; administration of housing and council tax benefits and student grants and loans.
• The objectives of the revenues and benefits section are to provide and efficient, effective and economic service for the registration, collection and recovery of council tax, non domestic rates and other income due to the Council and to make efficient effective and economic arrangements for the administration and payment of housing and council tax benefit and student grants and loans in respect of eligible claimants.

2. Accountancy and Audit Division

Accountancy Section: Preparation of revenue and capital estimates; medium term financial plan; capital investment strategy; monitoring reports; provision of financial advice; closure of accounts; production of annual statement of accounts; completion of statutory returns; administration of VAT and grant claims; cash book and ledger control; management of investments and cash.

The objectives of the Accountancy are to ensure sound financial management and reliable advice in relation to all issues affecting the Council including the production of statutory accounts

Audit Section: Production of strategic audit plan; systems and regulatory audits; providing advice and guidance; investigation of fraud and irregularity (including council tax and housing benefit fraud); co-ordination of data protection; provision of insurance cover and claims handling.

The objectives of the Audit Section are to ensure the safeguard of the Councils assets through an efficient and effective internal audit service including the pursuit of anti fraud and corruption initiatives as appropriate (including those aimed at the prevention and detection of housing and council tax benefit fraud) and adequate insurance arrangements

3. Information and Communications Technology Division

Provision and support of data and voice (telephone) communications network; hardware infrastructure; support and development of key ICT systems; ICT Service Desk, call management and user support; Operation of key systems.

The objective of the ICT Division is to deliver cost effective and quality information and communications technology systems to all services within the Council

4. Strategic Property Division

Provision and procurement of design consultancy services; estates management consultancy; administration of the property database; development of asset management plans.

The objective of the Strategic Property Division is to provide a comprehensive design and corporate property management service.

5.  Human Resources

The Service Objectives are:

• To create, update and implement effective strategies, policies, procedures and guidance to ensure legislative compliance in all matters relating to Human Resources and Equalities.
• To Promote Equality and Diversity in employment and service delivery through achieving progressive levels of the Generic Equality Standard.
• To provide structured training that ensures staff and Members are adequately skilled and knowledgeable to perform their roles and responsibilities to a high standard.
• To maintain high levels of health and safety standards and to reduce accidents and injuries to staff, customers and visitors.

6.  Building Services

This service is also based at the Alps Depot, Wenvoe. Its main function is the maintenance of the Council's housing stock, which is carried out in partnership with the Council's Housing Department. The service is also responsible for the Council's own public and commercial buildings, as well as for the cleaning and security of these buildings, including schools. The Group is also dealing with the challenge of asbestos management in Council buildings.

Building Services works to ptimise resources for the management and maintenance of the Council’s building assets and to ensure that the highest possible standards of service are achieved and maintained.