NEWS RELEASE                                       February 4, 2003

For immediate release

NEPA Improves Applications Process…

.Universal Application Number - to boost customer service

As part of the continuing mission to improve customer services, the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA), is rationalizing its applications process. The move is underlined by the adoption of a Universal Application Number (UAN) by NEPA, Parish Councils and all agencies involved in processing development applications. The UAN took effect on January 2, 2003 and is the result of months of collaboration and consultation between NEPA and the Ministry of Local Government.

According to Marc Rammelaere, Director of NEPA’s Information Technology (IT) Division, “the new system affords an applicant’s questions to be answered promptly.” Applications can now be tracked by name, reference number and date submitted. He is encouraging customers to use their reference numbers in querying the status of documents.

Rammelaere explains that the categories and numbers used to file applications have now been refined to allow data to be entered from anywhere in the government sector. “This,” he explains, “promotes greater accountability and transparency in the system.” He notes that this approach is a renewed commitment by NEPA to achieve the ninety-day processing period for applications, as required by law.

The UAN is designed to support a computerized tracking system, which is currently in place. This system was set up to track development and sub-division applications; however it is being expanded to include the environmental permit and licensing applications. Beach licensing, which is covered under the Beach Control Authority (Licensing Regulations, 1956) will also be targeted. The necessary infrastructure is currently being put in place to ensure that customers can gain access to the tracking system on the Internet. The public will be able to verify the status of applications on the Internet by year’s end.

Another foreseen benefit of the online system is that it will allow members of the public to view and comment on proposed developments. The public will also be able to verify which types of developments have been approved and the conditions under which approvals were granted. Marc Rammelaere says that, “NEPA’s staff will ensure that there is consistency in the decision-making process, particularly as the process will be closely scrutinized by the public.” The public will also be able to assist in monitoring unauthorized and improper developments across the island.

The UAN falls under the umbrella of the National Tracking System (NTS), which is an initiative of the Ministries of Local Government and Land and Environment and the Local Planning Authority. The NTS will take into account all applications including planning, building, subdivisions, enquiries, environmental licences and permits and beach licences.

NEPA is also improving the physical facilities of its Applications Secretariat branch by remodeling the customer service area in keeping with an environmental theme. Branch manager Frances Blair emphasizes that her branch is seeking to follow the guidelines laid down by NEPA in its Citizens’ Charter. She explains that her branch is “committed to exceeding customers’ expectations and currently achieves at least 75% of targets in that document.” The Citizens’ Charter, which was adopted by NEPA in April 2002, outlines strategies for improved service by the organization to its various customers.