§ Mr. PicklesTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) if he will make a statement on the level of co-operation between the Borough of Brentwood District Council and the Benefits Agency in relation to housing benefit; [118600]
(2) how many complaints in the last 12 months the Benefits Agency has made to the Borough of Brentwood District Council about lack of co-operation on housing benefit. [118602]
§ Angela EagleThis is a matter for Peter Mathison, the Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member.
Letter from Peter Mathison to Mr. Eric Pickles, dated 14 April 2000:
The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Questions asking, if he will make a statement on the level of co-operation between the Borough of Brentwood District Council and the Benefits Agency (BA), in relation to housing benefit, and how many complaints in the last 12 months the BA has made to the Borough of Brentwood District Council about lack of co-operation on housing benefit.The BA and Brentwood Borough Council have a joint Service Level Agreement which covers the service and performance requirements expected of both parties in connection with Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit. Standards are measured and reviewed as necessary.400WWe have quarterly benefit liaison meetings to discuss any initiatives and issues that arise. Both the Local Authority and BA are satisfied with the level of co-operation.In the last 12 months there have not been any direct complaints from the BA to Brentwood Council with regard to lack of co-operation on housing benefit.I hope this is helpful.