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News

Action Plan Drawn up to Tackle Benefit Fraud

In October 2005 the Government’s Benefit Fraud Inspectorate (BFI) undertook an inspection of the Borough of Poole’s security arrangements surrounding Benefits, including counter - fraud work, and prepared a report for the Secretary of State.

The report highlighted a number of weaknesses in the way the Council had previously managed counter fraud work when dealing with Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit. An action plan has since been drawn up by the Council to tackle the issues raised.

However the report also said: "The council was securing the gateway to the benefits system by taking appropriate steps to ensure that it complied with the Department's Verification Framework in the evidence it required to verify claims and changes of circumstances."

In a response to the report, Council Leader Brian Leverett, said: “We have been aware of the report findings since before Christmas and have already put in place actions in response to improve the service. We take very seriously our responsibilities to protect public money and we are disappointed that shortcomings in the Council's approach have been identified. I have asked for a full report on the findings and our response to be made to the next Cabinet meeting on 7th March 2006.“

Cllr Elaine Atkinson, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Community Support, said: "The report overall is disappointing. I am pleased however that the Inspectorate compliments the Council on the manner in which it has introduced the Verification Framework.

"Over the last year the Benefits Service has experienced staff sickness difficulties as well as having to cope with the introduction of new modern IT systems of managing claims. Improved arrangements are now in place."

The Borough of Poole was one of several Councils from around the Country selected for an inspection. Poole was chosen because for the first three quarters of 2004/05 it had reported to the Department very low numbers of sanctions against fraudsters.

In 2004/05 the Council's Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit expenditure was £33 Million – 13 per cent of Council’s expenditure - paid to approximately 10,300 customers.

Anyone wishing to report benefit fraud can contact the Council’s Fraud Hotline 0800 0963596.

Rachael Mills, Media Relations Manager, Communications, Borough of Poole tel 01202 633295