§ Baroness Davidasked Her Majesty's Government:
When they expect to publish the inspection report of the Benefit Fraud Inspectorate in respect of the London Borough of Ealing. [HL83]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Social Security (Baroness Hollis of Heigham): The Benefit Fraud Inspectorate (BFI) report was published today in respect of the London Borough of Ealing and copies of the report have been placed in the Library.
4WAThe 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.
The council contracted out its benefit administration and customer service activity to an external supplier but retained counter-fraud work in house.
The BFI reports that at the time of its on-site visit there were backlogs of work in many areas and there had been a consequent deterioration in customer service and processing new claims. The council and the contractor were working together to resolve problems in service delivery.
The council's verification of evidence for new claims was found to be fairly robust but renewal claims verification was much weaker.
Inspectors report the council has an effective checking regime that provides a high level of assurance that benefit determinations are correct but there was no formal risk analysis to identify high risk claims.
The council is reported to have an above average counter-fraud operation but its effectiveness is reduced because of delays in administration such as overpayment recovery.
My right honourable 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.