§ Dr. IddonTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans he has to revise the draft guidance on weekly benefit savings after abandonment of a property following the publication of the notes Accommodation Related Fraud, with particular reference to the section indicating that fraud would be considered to arise if a tenant in receipt of housing benefit failed to report that they had moved. [55741]
§ Mr. DenhamOfficials are currently working with representatives of the local authority associations to prepare revised guidance on the claiming of weekly benefit savings by local authorities. This guidance will be issued to authorities at the beginning of November.
In the particular example cited, a 75 per cent. weekly benefit saving would be appropriate where, as a result of a fraud investigation, a tenant was found to be not resident.
§ Dr. IddonTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make it his policy to allow weekly benefit savings claims if, on inquiry by an officer of a local authority, a claimant for housing benefit admits that they have omitted to provide the correct details or given incorrect details in circumstances where a designated fraud officer subsequently investigates the reason for omission and concludes that fraud was intended. [55744]
§ Mr. DenhamIt is already the case that a weekly benefit saving can be claimed if, as a result of a fraud investigation, fraud is discovered, the Housing Benefit claim is stopped and a fraudulent overpayment occurs.