Written question asked by Derek Wyatt (Labour) on Wednesday, 14 May 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 19 May 2003. It was answered by Nick Raynsford (Labour) on Monday, 19 May 2003 on behalf of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.

Office of the Deputy Prime Minister

Question: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, if he will ask the Audit Commission to investigate the delays and loss of correspondence in the housing benefits department at Swale Borough Council.

Answer: Mr. Wyatt: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will ask the Audit Commission to investigate the delays and loss of correspondence in the housing benefits department at Swale Borough Council. [114194] Mr. Raynsford: The Audit Commission's work is restricted to auditing the relevant performance indicators and the housing benefit grant claim, and reviewing internal audit's work on housing benefit. The Audit Commission last undertook direct work on housing benefit delays in Swale in 2000-01. The authority has also been subject to two detailed reviews of the authority's benefit administration by the Benefit Fraud Inspectorate--in September/October 1999 and February/March 2002. A further assessment will be made of Swale's performance as part of the Comprehensive Performance Assessment to be undertaken later this year.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 114194; 405 c629W;405 c627W
Session: 2002-03
Subjects: Administrative delays Correspondence Audit Commission Housing benefit Swale Borough Council Swale
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk