§ Mr. SandersTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what action he will take to rectify the performance of local authorities where such performance is judged unsatisfactory by benefits fraud inspectors. [116115]
§ Angela EagleFollowing publication of a Benefit Fraud Inspectorate report, the local authority is invited to118W consider and respond to the report and to submit any proposals for improving its performance and remedying any failings that are identified.
The Secretary of State for Social Security has powers under section 139D of the Social Security Administration Act 1992 to direct an Authority as to the standards it is to attain and the time within which they are to be attained. As my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State announced in the House on 6 March 2000, Official Report, columns 755-56, councils have been warned that where investigation by the Benefit Fraud Inspectorate identifies persistent failings, he will use those powers to direct them to improve their performance.