§ 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 Lewisham. [HL84]
§ Baroness Hollis of HeighamThe Benefit Fraud Inspectorate (BFI) report was published today in respect of the London Borough of Lewisham and copies of the report have been placed in the Library.
The report records our findings and includes recommendations aimed at further improving the administration of Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit, as well as its counter-fraud activities.
Inspectors found Lewisham provides a high quality customer service. In particular the council's public enquiry service is the best the BFI has so far seen. It includes a video conferencing system that allows members of the public to see and talk to council officers.
The report notes that the council has introduced all recent government initiatives designed to secure benefits administration.
The council introduced the verification framework in October 1998 and the report notes this was achieved without the backlogs and frustrations reported by other London boroughs. Inspectors found verification work to be very thorough.
5WAThe BFI reports positively on the council's counter-fraud performance, noting that where fraud is detected the council actively pursues prosecutions or offers administrative penalties.
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.