A COUNCIL has extended its contract with a digital service that handles more than 50,000 of its tax and benefits enquiries annually.

Denbighshire County Council renewed its partnership with Civica, the cloud technology provider that automates the policy and business activities of local governments.

The partnership was formed in 2015 as the first of its kind in Wales in a bid to create a paperless tax and revenues database and save up to £200,000 a year. The London firm’s software includes an electronic record and mail system, scanning services and a range of online customer services.

The system also aids in sundry debt collection and streamlines integration with outside agencies and services such as the Citizens Advice Bureau and JobCentre Plus.

The new deal extends the partnership until 2025.

Cllr Julian Thompson-Hill, lead member for finance, performance and strategic assets for Denbighshire County Council, said the Civica partnership guarantees “the continued efficient delivery” of tax and revenue services.

“Over the last four years the partnership has grown from strength to strength and the service being delivered to our residents and partners has been excellent,” he said. “I am looking forward to seeing this great partnership continue to develop.”

Conwy County Borough Council is also partnered with Civica, which has deals with 900 councils worldwide.

Gary Bell, executive director of Civica, which runs an apprenticeship programme in Denbighshire, added: “We are delighted to extend our successful partnership with Denbighshire as the council progresses its digital agenda.

“We will continue to work with multiple agencies to both effectively predict and protect the needs of all local citizens in the future.”