§ Dr. IddonTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many representations he has received on implementation by local authorities of the Housing Benefit Verification Framework. [113651]
§ Angela EagleThe Department receives inquiries and comments from a range of sources including individual local authorities, representative organisations, and individuals through correspondence, telephone calls, seminars, working groups and meetings. It is therefore not possible to place a number on the representations we have received about the Verification Framework (VF).
844WWe have monitored the live running of the VF from its launch and have already made several improvements to the VF in the light of operational experience. We will continue to monitor the VF and will consider further improvements when we have analysed information from the range of sources available, including any representations we may receive.
§ Dr. IddonTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what assessment he has made of the impact of implementation of the Housing Benefit Verification Framework on the level of rent arrears for private sector landlords, voluntary housing organisations and housing associations which provide accommodation for the vulnerable and socially excluded. [113649]
§ Angela EagleThe day-to-day administration of Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit is the responsibility of local authorities. We are already working towards driving forward improvements in the benefit services authorities provide to claimants and their landlords.
From experience gained through the live running of the Verification Framework (VF) we have made several improvements to it. For example, the changes we have made to identity requirements will help vulnerable groups, particularly hostel dwellers and providers. We are evaluating the VF and will continue to learn lessons from its operation.
The Best Value regime, which will be introduced from April, is a key part of the modernisation of local government and one of the main ways that we will be able to measure LA achievements and secure a programme of continuous improvement in the delivery of Housing Benefit (HB). Best Value performance indicators for HB administration will include the key areas of speed and accuracy so that all claims can be decided speedily and those claiming benefit get the right amount first time round.
§ Mr. FieldTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what powers are available to him to require local authorities to participate in(a) the Area Benefit Review of Housing Benefit and (b) the Housing Benefit Review. [114004]
§ Angela EagleThere is no explicit legislative power to require local authorities to participate in exercises to measure levels of fraud and error in Housing Benefit. Currently 195 Local Authorities participate in the measurement of fraud in Non-Standard Housing Benefit through the Benefits Agency's programme of Area Benefit Reviews.
§ Mr. FieldTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if the Area Benefit Review of Housing Benefit will include a representative sample of claims for people who do not claim either(a) income support or (b) jobseekers' allowance. [113999]
§ Angela EagleThe exercise to measure levels of fraud and error in Housing Benefit through the Benefits Agency's Area Benefit Review programme is currently 845W restricted to the two thirds of Housing Benefit cases where benefit is paid with Income Support or Jobseeker's Allowance (Income Support).
Our aim is also to measure levels of fraud and error in the remaining third of the Housing Benefit caseload and work is proceeding on the design of a suitable mechanism.