Release updates

CMS Release 8

Release 8.0 went live the on 9 June 2008 and introduced:

• support for legislative changes;
• further changes to support the Jobcentre Plus Standard Operating Model; and
• enhancements to CMS scripts, following feedback from colleagues.

Some of these changes will have a direct impact on local authorities.

1. Introduction of Local Housing Allowance (LHA):
   • Reduces the number of scripted questions for private tenants. It also makes associated changes to the information presented on the Local Authority Input Document (LAID).
2. CMS script improvements:
   • Enforces script improvements to ensure that appropriate trigger questions are asked, activating further questions required to support HB/CTB claims.
   • Advises appropriate customers that they need to provide tenancy agreements and details of any non-dependents income.
3. New CMS questions will directly assist HB/CTB claims and will establish:
   • if the customer and/or partner are receiving Statutory Adoption Pay and Statutory Paternity Pay;
   • details of other money coming into the household; and how the customer and/or partner are paid their wages. General Information Bulletin HB/CTB G11/2008 provides a full explanation of the changes introduced by CMS Release 8 and how these impact the HB/CTB claims process

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