22 September 2005 - Benefit Fraud Inspectorate (BFI) Inspection Report on Inverclyde Council
The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, David Blunkett, has today published an inspection report by the BFI on Inverclyde Council’s processing of claims for housing benefits.
In 2004/05, Inverclyde Council administered some 34.9 million pounds in housing benefits, about 13 per cent of its gross revenue expenditure. In May 2005, BFI carried out a focused inspection on the processing of new claims for Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit by Inverclyde Council.
The council was selected because it was taking on average 71 days, against the national standard of 36 days, to process new claims for the period April to June 2004. Since January 2005 the council has shown consistent improvement in its performance, achieving 33 days by April 2005. However, the council's focus on improving speed of processing has meant that other areas have lacked attention, particularly accuracy levels. The council could also do more in terms of performance monitoring, making effective use of internal and external audit reports and staff training.
The council lacked correct management information, key performance targets and objectives and did not monitor performance well. However, staff are committed to tackle the problems and said they will use the BFI report to complement an existing service improvement initiative.
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