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Dept of Social Security

Answer

Mr. Goggins: To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when he will publish the inspection report of the Benefit Fraud Inspectorate in respect of Sheffield city council. [155730] Mr. Rooker: The Benefit Fraud Inspectorate report was published today in respect of Sheffield city council and copies of the report have been placed in the Library. The report makes recommendations to help 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 a number of weaknesses and poor standards of performance in benefit administration and counter fraud work. Performance is failing to meet contractual expectations in a number of key areas. The report notes the council is struggling to cope with significant backlogs of work which are resulting in lengthy delays in claims processing and reduced customer services. The council has introduced measures to resolve the backlogs and some progress is being made towards restoring an effective benefits service. Benefits administration needs to be improved with regard to verification, overpayment classification and implementation of effective qualify checking controls. Although some weaknesses were found in the control and management of overpayments work Inspectors found the council to be pursuing recovery of debts effectively. The report notes that although there is some good counter fraud work, it is not focused and management controls are largely ineffective and provide little assurance. Inspectors found investigation work to be of poor quality and insufficient to tackle the estimated level of fraud in the council's area. Inspectors were pleased to find effective corporate policies and measures were in place to encourage an anti-fraud and corruption culture. The report concludes that the council has shown a positive commitment towards improving its performance and is developing an action plan to address the issues raised by the inspection. Some remedial action had already taken place by the time the inspection finished. 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

155730; 365 c368-9W

Session

2000-01

Subjects

Council tax benefits Abuse Administration Housing benefit Fraud Inspections Social security benefits Standards Sheffield Sheffield City Council Benefit Fraud Inspectorate

Link

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