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Benefit Fraud Inspectorate (Doncaster Metropolitan Borough Council)

On behalf of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, the BFI inspection report on Doncaster metropolitan borough council was published today and copies have been placed in the Library. In 2003–04 Doncaster metropolitan borough council administered some £68 million in housing benefits, about 12 per cent. of its gross revenue expenditure. The council gives a high priority to combating benefit fraud and complies with all significant aspects of the security against fraud and error scheme. The council's investigations team is well supported by members and managers. BFI found a number of good practices, including:"an experienced and well trained investigation team;""a comprehensive suite of process control documents;""a comprehensive fraud management IT system with a well developed reporting facility;""promoting good quality fraud referrals from a variety of sources, particularly the visits team,the benefits team and the Department's Counter-Fraud Investigation Service;""setting and achieving demanding sanctions' targets." The council is providing a high standard counter-fraud service which performs well. For example, from April to December 2004 eight cases were successfully prosecuted and 30 formal cautions and 48 administrative penalties were raised. BFI is concerned, however, that the council do more to gather sufficient evidence in every case leading to an interview under caution. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State is considering the report and may ask the council for its proposals in response to BFI's findings.