Work and Pensions written question – answered at on 28 February 2002.
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions when he will publish the inspection report of the Benefit Fraud Inspectorate in respect of Torbay Borough Council.
The Benefit Fraud Inspectorate report was published today in respect of Torbay Borough Council and copies of the report have been placed in the Library.
The report identifies both strengths and weaknesses in the benefits services at Torbay. The Council is commended for good customer service. There are three offices that claimants can visit, telephone calls to the office are answered promptly and Torbay is currently revising its claim form in line with the BFI Model Claim Form.
Inspectors found that backlogs of work were not being addressed and the time taken to process claims was very poor with only 45 per cent. being cleared within the 14-day target. These backlogs were also reducing the ability of the council to ensure that renewal claims were being assessed without a break in payment.
The report finds that changes in circumstances which could lead to overpayment of benefit were not given sufficient priority by the benefits section. An experimental scheme for the sharing of information between the council, the Employment Service and the Benefits Agency on changes of clients' circumstances was identified as an excellent initiative.
Inspectors considered there were weaknesses in all stages of dealing with overpayments and the report makes recommendations on tackling this issue. Since 1997 the debt owed to the council has increased by nearly £1 million.
The council's clear progress in developing a counter-fraud strategy, fully supported by members, was also recognised. Its process of verifying of claims for benefit was found to be up to the required standard. The report concludes that the fraud section would benefit from additional resources to build on the effective work that has already been undertaken.
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 counter-fraud activities.
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.
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