Strategy
3. Overview of the benefits service
3.1 Housing Benefit is a state benefit administered by the Local Authority on behalf of DWP.
3.2 Council Tax Support is prescribed for Pensioners by the Department of Housing, Communities and Local Government (DHCLG). The working age scheme is set by local Policy.
3.3 Benefit is available to help low income tenants and owners pay their rent and council tax. It is means-tested and the amount payable depends on:
- the amount of rent and council tax liability
- the claimant’s household's
- income
- capital
- age
- any disability circumstances
3.4 Administration of both schemes is funding in part by the government and topped up by the council.
3.5 The Housing Benefit subsidy, in the region of £140m pa, is reclaimed from DWP. It is for up to 100% of benefit paid following an annual audit of the subsidy claim. The claim is docked by DWP in respect to any errors found. Therefore it puts the Council at risk of high financial penalties.
3.6 Council Tax Support expenditure is partially reimbursed by DHCLG but is not ring-fenced. It does not fully cover costs.
3.7 Payment of benefit promptly and accurately is critical for customers. It protects them from arrears, and stress to some of the borough’s most vulnerable residents.
3.8 Accuracy is also critical to protect the council’s subsidy claim and the public purse. There are effective procedures in place to help prevent and identify fraud and error.
3.9 The council has the following policies setting out its objectives and strategies to achieve an effective and secure Benefits service:
- Council Tax Support Policy
- Housing Benefit Overpayment Policy
- Discretionary Housing Payment Policy
- Counter-fraud Policy
- Quality Assurance Plan
- Evidence Provision Policy
- Risk Based Verification Policy
3.10 The service structure includes a training and policy post as well as various quality assurance roles. These ensure procedures and controls are in place and the objectives set out in the policies are monitored and delivered.
4. Summary of strategic elements Section
5. Legal duties
- apply all legislation relating to Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support Section.
6. Right amount of benefit
- Ensure the council makes accurate decisions for action changes to the Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support regulations. And to quickly test the Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support IT system used to calculate and store data Section.
7. Prevent and detect fraud
- Procedures are in place to reduce the risk of fraud entering the system at the gateway. They also ensure effective identification of fraud where it has Section.
8. Performance - pay at the right time
- constantly review working practices to refine procedures and identify efficiencies Section.
9. Overpayment recovery
- seek maximum recovery of benefits overpayments.