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15 Oct 99

NEW HOUSING AND COUNCIL TAX VERIFICATION FRAMEWORK

A new way of processing claims for Housing and Council Tax Benefit is being introduced in Poole during October.

Under the Government's new Verification Framework, anyone submitting a new claim for Housing or Council Tax benefit will be asked to provide original documents to support their claim. The new system is designed to ensure the right information is used so that everyone receives the correct level of benefit.

Original documents confirming details of identity, income, other benefits, rent liability and household membership can be sent or taken to Revenues and Benefits, Civic Centre, Borough of Poole.

In addition, everyone receiving Housing or Council Tax Benefit will receive a home visit to confirm their details during the time of their claim.

Brett Jones, Benefits & Administration Manager, said: "Most of this information is already needed to process a claim. The changes mean that where copies of information were previously acceptable, we now need to see original documents such as tenancy agreements, payslips or passports in order to process a claim. In addition to a new leaflet explaining the changes, we will be writing to all landlords who receive direct payments with details of the new system".

£46,000 of extra funding Government funding has been provided to implement the system to ensure there will be no delays in processing claims.

People currently receiving Housing or Council Tax Benefit will not be effected by the changes until their claim is reviewed. Leaflets and posters have been produced explaining the new requirements and are available at the Civic Centre.

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Brett Jones, Benefits & Administration Manager, Borough of Poole, tel: (01202) 633143