Civica launches Authority Bureau to help Councils manage licensing application rush
New service cuts processing costs as councils gear up for last minute applications
Sheffield, 16 May 2005 - Civica plc, one of the UK’s most experienced providers of consulting, software and services for the public sector, has unveiled its Authority Bureau Service to help local authorities handle rising demand for entertainment and alcohol licence applications under the Licensing Act 2003.¹
Civica’s Authority Bureau Service enables licensing teams to manage workloads while avoiding recruitment of extra personnel and can cut processing costs, without compromising on processing quality.
Local authorities face a surge in late licence applications ahead of the 6th August deadline for transferring old licences, which is now less than 90 days away. Since the act took effect in February, the number of licence applications from retailers and venues has been far lower than expected.
To add to the difficulty, councils cannot accurately match resources to forecast demand because they are effectively setting up a new processing system while the level and timing of applications has remained unpredictable.
Civica’s Authority Bureau Service provides customised licensing advice and processing capabilities which range from legal consultancy to a complete managed processing service. Delivered in conjunction with licensing solicitors Poppleston Allen and performance specialist pps Consulting, local councils can “switch on” a proven processing resource without delays for recruitment and the associated staff learning curve.
Paul Tonks, managing director of Civica Systems, explained: “Local authorities already face a considerable workload but the very low level of applications so far means they will have to deal with a late surge as the deadline for existing applications approaches.”
“Many councils have actively planned for the new act by examining options such as expanded teams or adopting shared services. Our Authority Bureau Service enables them to manage and cut the cost of assessments and processing without sacrificing quality. They can access legal and processing services without having to make large scale investment in licensing teams and training programmes. This is a fast, very flexible and tailor-made answer to pressing capacity and funding issues.”
Paddy Whur, partner at Poppleston Allen and chairman of Poppleston Allen Consultancy and Training said: “Licensing teams have much to contend with: the act’s requirements, government guidelines, hearing procedures, types of licences and the forms and fees which apply. We have worked closely with Civica and pps Consulting to provide the necessary guidance, processes and training which licensing staff need. The Authority Bureau Service expertly and very cost-effectively deals with all the legal and operational requirements of a complex and far-reaching Licensing Act.”
For further details about the Authority Service Bureau, contact Civica Tel: 01709 786786 or marketing@civica.co.uk
Notes to editors
¹ Details of The Licensing Act 2003 can be found here
About Civica plc
Civica is one of the UK’s most experienced providers of consulting, software systems and managed services to the public sector. The company has a 20-year history of supplying local government, police, healthcare, criminal justice and education organisations in the UK, Australia and the USA. UK customers include approximately 75 per cent of local authorities, 47 of the 53 police forces, more than 250 NHS Trusts and over 30 Local Education Authorities, while in Australia the group is one of the leading local government software suppliers. Civica Services Ltd is an approved prime contractor for software in the GCat government procurement catalogue. Overall the company employs approximately 550 people and has a recent track record of profits growth.
About Poppleston Allen
Poppleston Allen is the largest firm of specialist licensing solicitors in the United Kingdom to deal exclusively with licensing law and procedures, planning, regulatory crime and training. Its activities are local, national and international with a client base ranging from small companies and independent licensees to some of the most important names in the leisure industry.