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Dept of Social Security

Answer

Mr. Blizzard: To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when he will publish the inspection report of the Benefit Fraud Inspectorate in respect of the London Borough of Waltham Forest. [143662] Mr. Rooker: The Benefit Fraud Inspectorate report was published today in respect of the London Borough of Waltham Forest and copies of the report have been placed in the Library. The report provides recommendations aimed at helping the council address weaknesses and to improve the administration of Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit, as well as its counter fraud activities. Inspectors found that Waltham Forest had clear aims to provide high quality benefit service, but this aim is not always being met. Waltham Forest had contracted out benefits administration in 1999. Since then, a backlog of work had developed on a number of occasions which meant that the requirement to process benefit claims within 14 days is not now being met and there are frequent breaks in payment. Weaknesses were also found in the verification of information and the testing of the accuracy and quality of the work being done. The report notes that while there were some good counter fraud practices in place, this good work is undermined by a failure properly to establish fraud, resulting in weekly benefit savings being incorrectly claimed. Inspectors consider Waltham Forest also needs to do some work to increase the levels of deterrence offered to those committing fraud. The report notes a number of positive aspects to Waltham Forest's performance. It provides good services for new claimants, has a good claim form and makes sure claimants make further claims at the right time. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State is now considering the report and will be asking the council for its proposals in response to the findings and recommendations of the BFI.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

360 c97-8W; 143662

Session

2000-01

Subjects

Council tax benefits Abuse Administration Housing benefit Fraud Inspections Social security benefits Standards Waltham Forest Benefit Fraud Inspectorate Waltham Forest Council

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk