Policy & Finance Cabinet Member – Minutes – 24 September 2015

The corresponding report of the following item (Minute 24 refers) contains exempt information as defined in Paragraphs 1 and 2 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended).

24        (24) LOCAL TAXATION & BENEFITS FRAUD RESOURCE The Director of Policy and Resources submitted a report to provide a brief on the proposed operational changes relating to fraud investigation after the transfer of responsibility to the DWP Single Fraud Investigation Service (SFIS) from 1 November 2015.

The report sought approval for a retained fraud resource as part of a shared service with North East Lincolnshire Council.

The new service (SFIS) would be responsible for all investigations relating to Housing Benefit fraud.  It was explained that the council would retain responsibility for investigations relating to the Council Tax Reduction Scheme, which was not a DWP benefit.

An urgent decision was requested in order to meet the review timetable agreed with staff and unions and to secure the retained fraud resource before DWP transfer.

Full details of the proposals were outlined within the report and associated appendix.

Resolved – That the fraud investigation team detailed in Appendix A to the report be approved.  

Note: Where there is no report this is because it is exempt, as it contains information which is considered to be of a confidential nature, as detailed in the Local Government (Access to Information) Act.