Avoidance and Income Officer

We're looking for a Revenues Avoidance and Income Officer, Interested?

Do you want a role where you're recognised for what you do, given the opportunity to thrive and have the chance to be the best version of yourself? Interested in joining a great organisation with an employee offer and experience that rivals others? Are you looking for a new challenge? If so, please keep reading as you're just what we're looking for

The team…

The Revenues team sits within the Council's Customer Experience and Digital Service, and we're excited to offer opportunities to join this dynamic and forward-thinking team. This is a key role within the service, contributing directly to the maximisation of income for the Council to support essential services and spending priorities. Equally important is the delivery of excellent customer service, which is at the heart of everything we do.

About the role….

This is a challenging yet rewarding position, ideal for someone who enjoys working independently and making a real impact. A key part of the role involves visiting and inspecting properties, so a valid driving licence or access to mobility support is essential.

As an Avoidance Officer, you will play a vital role in ensuring Council Tax and Non-Domestic Rates (NNDR) charges are correctly applied in line with legislation and local policy. Excellent customer service skills are crucial, as you'll be engaging with a wide range of individuals and organisations.

While we continue to implement and promote more online and digital solutions, many of our customers still prefer to contact the team by telephone. As such, strong interpersonal skills and the ability to deliver excellent customer service across different channels are essential.

We're committed to supporting your development. There will be opportunities to enhance your skills and gain further qualifications, including support to study for the IRRV (Institute of Revenues Rating and Valuation) qualification.

To succeed in this role, you must be ICT literate, confident using Microsoft Office applications, and have experience working in a customer-focused service environment. Strong communication, negotiation, and influencing skills are essential.

You must also hold at least five GCSEs at grade 4/C or above (or equivalent), including Maths and English.

A bit about Gateshead Council…

Gateshead is a constantly changing borough combining modern facilities with a fascinating heritage and the demand for our services continues to grow. We engage with many partners and contract a high number of services to deliver the best outcomes for our community. We're truly committed to providing our customers with the highest quality of service and we need like-minded people who can help us deliver a sector leading service. We need people who want to make a difference, who are talented, possess the right knowledge and skills and who want the chance to demonstrate how good they are.

People really are our greatest asset at Gateshead Council, and we value every employee. We encourage our people to think differently, do the right thing and be innovative.

What's in it for you? Well, there's so much on offer and here's just a few of the highlights

• You'll be paid a competitive salary £29,540 to £32,061 per annum.
• We'll help you save for your future with an outstanding employer contribution to your pension.
• You will receive an annual leave entitlement starting at 28 days per year (pro-rata for part time employees) rising to 32, 2 of which may be fixed by the council at any time. You also have the chance to buy up to 10 additional holidays per year.
• You'll have the opportunity to participate in the Council's Flexi time scheme, subject to management approval and business needs, which could be up to 26 flexi days per year.
• We offer hybrid working arrangements to ensure a positive work life balance.
• A robust Workforce Development offer with opportunities for learning to progress your career and to enhance your knowledge in specific areas.
• You'll have access to great health and wellbeing support and ability to use our cycle to work scheme. Working with our partners, GLL you can also access discounted leisure facilities Gym and Leisure Centre Memberships | Better
• You'll have access to our new benefits platform VIVUP where you can get discounts and offers on online and high street shopping.

It's time to apply

We're delighted that you want to come and work with us. Please take a look at the full job profile via this link job profile. It's important that you read it in full and check that you meet the essential criteria, because when we start choosing people to come and meet us we'll be checking to ensure that they meet the essential criteria as set out in the job profile.

For an informal discussion or if you need any assistance, please contact Alex Bebb on