The Revenues and Benefits service is upgrading its system for Council Tax, Benefits, and Business Rates. The former Mendip Area was the first and the former Sedgemoor area is the second area in Somerset to transition to the new platform.
This upgrade marks a major step forward in improving how residents across Somerset access council services. By consolidating multiple systems into one, we’re laying the foundation for future service transformation.
The new system will bring significant improvements, including:
- Operational efficiencies: Automation, faster processing, integrated case management, and reduction of duplication in processes.
- Improved customer experience Self-service portals, real-time updates, and better accessibility.
The transformation and enhancements will be introduced once all areas have fully transitioned to the new system next year.
The first initial stage is to move all legacy areas onto one system.
As part of this upgrade, there will be a period of system downtime starting on the evening of 8th September, during which the legacy Sedgemoor Revenues and Benefits system will not be available to complete changes or process claims.
The work being undertaken and the necessary associated downtime will be communicated through a press release, and the Council’s social media channels. We will also ensure effective coverage across our external website.
Please see below key information our residents will be informed of: Planned System Downtime – 8th September Starting on the evening of 8th September, the current Sedgemoor system will be temporarily unavailable for a minimum of three weeks.
During this time:
- Online Forms - there will be some disruption to online forms. More details will be available on our website nearer the time. Claims for benefits or changes in circumstance will still be available.
- Customer Services will be unable to process changes or claims during this time but will continue to give advice.
- Our website will show updates and will let customers know when services are back.
- Housing Benefit customers. Customers will receive a letter with details of their Housing Benefit payments dates. This is just to keep you informed as we will be aligning payment dates across Somerset.
- Payments online and via the automated telephony line can be made as normal.
- Direct Debits will also continue as normal. We don’t anticipate having any issues with Direct Debits, but should customers wish to cancel or amend their Direct Debit for the 21 September or 01 October payment, they will need to contact their bank directly.
- Bank Details: Our Service User Numbers and Mandate References are changing. Look out for more information.
Timeline for system transitions
| Legacy District Area | Estimated system shutdown | Estimated go live date |
|---|---|---|
| Mendip | 28th August | Mid-September |
| Sedgemoor | 8th September 2025 | End-September / beginning-October 2025 |
| Somerset West & Taunton | Mid-September 2025 | End-October 2025 |
| South Somerset * | TBC – minimal downtime | June 2026 (due to annual billing taking place in April) |
Residents are reminded that the council will never contact them to ask for bank details by phone, email or text message.
Please see below a map of which towns sit within the legacy district areas.
For more information contact:
Name: Shaun Warren
Email: [email protected]