Issue - meetings

To consider a report from the Benefits Manager regarding revisions to the Risk Based Verification Policy.

Approves the revised Risk Based Verification Policy.

The Cabinet gave consideration to a confidential report (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) requesting approval of the revised Risk Based Verification Policy.

The Cabinet had previously approved a Benefits Risk Based Verification Policy which was applied to new claims for Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support.  The Policy had been revised to extend to changes of circumstance in addition to new claims.

Since the introduction of the Risk Based Verification Policy it had proven successful in focusing resources at claims for benefit most likely to contain fraud and/or error. 

The Cabinet was pleased to note that the fraud and error detected by the Council was exceeding the baseline established by the Department for Work and Pensions. 

Having acknowledged that the Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Social Well-Being) was supportive of the Policy the Cabinet,

RESOLVED

to approve the revised Risk Based Verification Policy.

To consider a report on the Benefits Risk Based Verification Policy presented to the Panel by the Benefit Manager.

Councillor Tysoe introduced the Benefits Risk Based Verification Policy to the Overview and Scrutiny Panel for Social Well-Being.  It was explained that risk-based approach is currently used for new claims, and that now needs to be applied to any changes in circumstances.

The Benefits Manager guided the Panel through the key points of the report including;

·  New claims have been processed using the Risk Based Verification (RBV) Policy since 2013

·  RBV has been a great success; majority of claims made are low risk, and the performance of the Benefit team has increased dramatically

·  Correct information protects claims and ensures that new claims are accurate

·  There is now a need to focus RBV on changes to circumstances which will also increase accuracy for claims.

Members commented on the report, reflecting that it was simple and clear to understand.  It was clarified for Members that the specialist software used for RBV determines whether a claim is a low, medium or high risk case using previous statistics and the claim form itself.

Following a question from the Panel on resource implications, and whether staffing levels may be reduced, the Benefit Manager explained that staffing may indeed be affected.  It was also confirmed to the Panel that the grant received by the Benefits department from the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) to improve services will not be effected.

Additional funding from DWP has been received which will assist with any further software costs to set up RBV for changes of circumstances, however, these cost will be minimal due to the initial outlay when the software was first purchased.

After further discussion relating to online access for residents, the Panel approved the report.