Cabinet Member for Finance

Cabinet considered the report of the Head of Housing and the above Cabinet Member.  The Cabinet Member for Finance introduced the report and outlined the proposals for the shared service operation.  The Cabinet Member for Housing spoke of how vital fraud investigation was.

The Cabinet Member for Performance questioned the costs quoted in the report, and the Revenues and Benefits Manager (Financial and Technical) advised one figure was for 2015 and the other, 2016.

In response to questions, the Revenues and Benefits Manager (Financial and Technical) advised that the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) would investigate Housing Benefit Fraud whilst other fraud such as Council Tax would be investigated by staff of the new team being established.

RESOLVED:

(1)  That, subject to the agreement of Kent County Council, Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells Borough Councils, the continuation of a counter fraud team to reduce the level of customer fraud and error in relation to council tax and business rates be approved.

(2)  That the  Revenues and Benefits Manager be authorised to make the necessary operational arrangements as set out in the report.

(3)  That delegated authority be given to the Director of Regeneration to enter into a collaboration agreement with Kent County Council, Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells Borough Councils for the continued delivery of a counter fraud service for council tax and business rates.

(4)  That a review of the service be undertaken in 18 months with a further report to be provided detailing the impact of the service on fraud and error.