§ Mr. ElletsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what instructions are issued by his Department 281W to local authorities about the prevention of fraud with respect to payments of housing benefits. [19091]
§ Mr. Roger EvansGeneral housing benefit anti-fraud guidance has been provided for all local authorities since the introduction of the present housing benefit scheme in 1988. Expanded anti-fraud guidance was issued in 1991. The Department also collaborated with the Chartered282W Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy, the Institute of Revenues Rating and Valuation and the Local Authority Investigation Officers' Group (UK) to issue an anti-fraud good practice guide for local authorities in 1991. The Department plans to issue a comprehensive fraud investigator's manual, giving detailed guidance on the investigation and prevention of fraud, to all local authorities later this year.