22 September 2005 - Benefit Fraud Inspectorate (BFI) Inspection Report on Allerdale Borough Council
The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, David Blunkett, has today published an inspection report by the BFI on Allerdale Borough Council.
In 2003/04, Allerdale Borough Council administered some 22 million pounds in housing benefits, about 36 per cent of its gross revenue expenditure. Overall, the inspection found that Allerdale Borough Council was performing to a Good standard. However, the report raises concerns about significant areas of weakness in claims administration, overpayments and resource management.
Allerdale Borough Council took 46 days to process new claims for housing benefits in 2004/05 against the DWP Standard of 36 days. Inefficient practices were creating unnecessary delays at each stage of the claims process and the council was failing to ensure that the evidence provided by its customers met the requirements of the Verification Framework. The percentage of claims decided within 14 days of receiving all information, and the time taken to process changes of circumstances, had both deteriorated during 2004/05.
There had been a significant increase in the volume of overpayments identified and a decline in overpayment recovery performance. BFI concluded that a lack of strategic direction and accountability, inconsistent practices and inadequate levels of assurance had led to major failings within overpayments.
An anti-fraud policy and strategy document, supported by a business plan and realistic operational targets had been set for the Fraud Investigation Unit. An analysis of selected fraud files showed that the standard of investigation work was good in most cases.
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 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 0866.
- All BFI inspection reports can be found on the BFI website – www.bfi.gov.uk.
Department for Work and Pensions Press enquiries: 020 7238 0866
BFI Press enquiries: 01423 83 2982
Out of Hours: 07659 108 883
Public enquiries: 020 7712 2171
Website: www.dwp.gov.uk