1

Introductions

On 05/07/06 the HO and NRUC met to discuss the UASC process. This is a subsequent meeting with a number of LAs invited to be aware of and be invited to take part in the new process. In 06/07 HO is matching all cases and paying on matched cases only, with a transparent process in place to resolve the subsequent queries cases.

2

NRUC current process and capabilities

MG stated that the majority of information from LAs is on NRUC, with approx 3,000 cases as of 16/7. Total number of estimated UASC's supported is approx 5,500 according to LAs in Feb 06 return to HO.

DR to request access to NRUC for HO staff

DR

3

NRUC website change

It had been requested to add an FTP portal to the NRUC website to enable LAs to upload Annex A files electronically and remove the need for LAs to post floppy discs/CD's. MG reported concerns about the cost and time this would take Esprit (company used to manage NRUC database) to do. Quote from Esprit to be evaluated and assessed.

Paul Collard identified at July 5^th meeting that flags would be required on NRUC that only HO has ability to change - to identify that case is matched, or if it has had key data changed on NRUC record. To be investigated.

MG/DR/

SB

MG/DR/

SB

4

Data from CID to NRUC

Report from CID to NRUC not regular, usually 2 weeks though no current agreement. SB to work with NASS IT to move to regular daily feed from CID, first on disc, then electronically.

MG to liaise with SB on parameters of report to reduce size and enable electronic transfer of file.

Request for file to be posted directly to Espirit in future - contact details required and evidence of previous government work / security clearance.

SB

SB/MG

DW

5

HO data matching requirements

The direct linking of matching case with the finance payments is a new process requiring all LAs to submit data on their supported UASC's to NASS finance.

A document detailing the process to resolve queried cases determined by the data matching of submitted Annex As will be distributed to all LAs at the beginning of August. The document shows the responsibility of the LA and the HO to resolve outstanding case issues. This will be distributed with a date calculation tool to all LAs. Date calc tool to LAs present for feedback before distribution.

HO main target this year is to match all cases with LAs on CID. However, the proposed daily feed from CID to NRUC, combined with work undertaken by NRUC and LAs, should mean that NRUC is kept up-to-date with changes made in client details.

DR

6

LA data matching requirements

Required to complete and send Annex A returns and respond on the next months return to HO on queries arising using the document in 5.

Query was raised due to delays in getting HO file numbers, to see if ARC card numbers can be used. It is not part of data matching testing and will need to be monitored.

DR/SB

7

Use of NRUC for Grant Claims

Proposal to use small selection of LAs to pilot using NRUC for grant claim information to assess using NRUC to support the 07/08 grant claim.

Pilot LAs to have info on NRUC by 11/07/07, with progress monitored.

DR & MG to meet to discuss / determine process w/c Aug 14th

DR/SB/

MG

MG

MG/DR

8

Progress on 06/07 UASC Grant Claims and Annexes

So far 1644 cases processed, 575 agreed, 43% disagreed and requiring comments / information / confirmation from LAs in next months return. Payment process to start July 27^th, returns to LAs going out first week in August. Expecting first responses from LAs late Aug/Early Sept to queried cases.

9

Framework Proposals

MG referred to section 2.0 of minutes of 14^th June NRUC/HO Pilot Group meeting to determine timetable:

See section 7 above

10

Timescales

Aim is to have NRUC updated by all LAs for use for April 07 payments. Pilots need to be in place by Nov/Dec 06 with the majority of the data matching process completed by end Sept 06

HO to develop Access database to support payment / reconciliation process by end Oct for downloads from NRUC.

Also, see section 7 above.

SB

11

AOB/Next Meeting

Requested for start of September.

DR/MG