31 October 2005 - Benefit Fraud Inspectorate (BFI) Inspection Report on Wansbeck District Council
The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, David Blunkett, has today published an inspection report by the BFI on Wansbeck District Council.
In 2004/05 Wansbeck District Council administered some £15 million in housing benefits, about 49.5 per cent of its gross revenue expenditure. The council's overall performance in administering Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit met minimum requirements.
Strengths included the speedy processing of new claims and good access for customers at six “Infopoints”. Infopoints have been developed through consultation with local communities and were in locations that best supported local people. Infopoint staff need more training to improve their knowledge of Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit procedures so that more enquiries can be answered at the first point of contact and ensure that claim forms are correctly completed.
There were shortcomings in other key areas. The Verification Framework had not been fully introduced, there was little effective use of management information and limited management control of counter-fraud investigation activity. There were significant delays in the identification and processing of requests for reconsideration and appeals. These need to be better monitored and controlled.
Communication with landlords was ineffective. There was no liaison forum and landlords had not been informed of legislative changes.
Counter-fraud investigations had not always been carried out in accordance with legislation or Departmental guidance. An IT system has been used since April 2004 to help with the classification and recovery of overpayment debt but much old debt remains un-recovered.
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, Benefits Minister, announced the publication of the report in a written ministerial statement.
Notes to 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.
- Media copies of the BFI inspection report can be obtained from the Department for Work and Pensions Press Office on 020 7238 0766.
- All BFI inspection reports can be found on the BFI website – www.bfi.gov.uk.
Department for Work and Pensions Press enquiries: 020 7238 0766
BFI Press enquiries: 01423 83 2982
Out of Hours: 07659 108 883
Public enquiries: 020 7712 2171
Website: www.dwp.gov.uk