HC Deb 05 December 2001 vol 376 c432W
Mr. Frank Field

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what are the(a) local authorities who have been subject to an inspection by the Benefit Fraud Inspectorate and (b) authorities who have implemented all the recommendations made by the Benefit Fraud Inspectorate's report. [11817]

Malcolm Wicks

A list of those local authorities which have been subject to an inspection by the Benefit Fraud Inspectorate (BFI) has been placed in the Library. Copies of those inspection reports which have been published can also be found in the Library.

BFI recommendations are not binding on local authorities, who may put forward alternative proposals for improving performance. Where there are continuing concerns, authorities are asked to submit progress reports to ensure that their planned improvements are being implemented and achieved. If it is thought necessary to gain additional assurance that improvements have been implemented, the BFI may be asked to undertake a further inspection. Where following a further inspection it is considered that the authority has failed to improve its performance to a satisfactory standard, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State, will seriously consider using his powers to direct the authority to attain specified standards within a set timescale.

Therefore information is not available in the format requested.

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