31 October 2005 - Benefit Fraud Inspectorate (BFI) Inspection Report on West Dunbartonshire Council
The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, David Blunkett, has today published an inspection report by the BFI on West Dunbartonshire Council’s counter-fraud arrangements.
In 2004/05, West Dunbartonshire Council administered some £41 million in housing benefits, about 22 per cent of its gross revenue expenditure. The council was selected for inspection of its counter-fraud arrangements because it reported to the Department that it had not achieved any sanctions between April 2003 and March 2005.
BFI found that the council’s overall performance in countering fraud was poor. Although the council had an anti-fraud strategy the management structure of the benefits service did not create a strong counter-fraud environment or focus and there was a lack of management control over the counter-fraud work that was done.
West Dunbartonshire Council acknowledged its shortcomings in this area and is committed to improving performance, including developing an action plan to address the recommendations made in BFI’s report.
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