§ Dr. IddonTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list the occasions when he has used his powers under the Social Security Act 1992(a) to require local authorities to improve administration of housing benefit and (b) to impose financial penalties on local authorities for failing to comply with a direction from him to improve housing benefit administration. [129468]
§ Angela EagleThe Secretary of State has the power to require a local authority to achieve and to maintain specified standards of performance if, following a report by the Benefit Fraud Inspectorate (BFI), the authority fails to propose adequate remedies for any deficiencies identified by BFI.
Of the 64 reports published by the BFI, none have yet required the issue of a direction. My right hon. Friend remains ready to use his powers if appropriate.