16 November 2005 - Benefit Fraud Inspectorate (BFI) Inspection Report on Great Yarmouth Borough Council
Secretary of State for Work and Pensions John Hutton has today published an inspection report by the BFI on Great Yarmouth Borough Council’s processing of claims for housing benefits.
In 2004/05 Great Yarmouth Borough Council administered some 27.7 million pounds in housing benefits, about 31 per cent of its gross revenue expenditure. Overall, the inspection found that Great Yarmouth Borough Council was performing to a Fair standard.
The council has had a backlog of work for many years, compounded by problems implementing a data image processing system in 1999. This, together with problems recruiting and retaining processing staff and an outdated benefits IT system have made it difficult for the council to provide an effective benefits service. The council reported that it had taken an average of 89 days to process new claims in 2004/05.
However, BFI’s inspection revealed that – due to a combination of errors – reported performance was understated and the real average was nearer 49 days, compared to the Standard of 36 days. Inefficient practices were creating unnecessary delays at each stage of the claims process and the council's checking regime was not identifying some of the errors that resulted in inaccurate reporting. Only limited analysis was carried out by the council to establish the reason for failure to meet targets. Insufficient internal audit resources had been allocated to audit the Benefits service.
The council has demonstrated a commitment to improving its benefit service by allocating funds to clear the backlog, implementing a new benefits IT system and seeking to enter into a partnership with consultants to help improve performance.
BFI is an independent unit within the Department for Work and Pensions that reports directly to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions on the standard of benefit administration and counter-fraud activity.
James Plaskitt, Minister for Housing Benefit and Anti-Fraud, announced the publication of the report in a written ministerial statement.
Notes for Editors
- Each BFI inspection report is considered by the Secretary of State who decides whether any further action is appropriate. The Secretary of State has powers to issue directions to a local authority to secure acceptable or minimum standards in performance.
- For media enquiries on BFI reports call 01423 832 982
- All BFI inspection reports can be found on the BFI website – www.bfi.gov.uk.
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