RISK BASED VERIFICATION POLICY UPDATE
Decision:
RECOMMENDED: That the updated risk based verification policy be adopted so it covers new claims and changes in circumstances.
Reason for decision
To allow the council to use risk based verification on all claims to target resource and reduce fraud and error
Minutes:
The Revenues and Benefits Manager presented a report which explained that the Council used risk based verification to assess the risk of fraud and error in new claims for housing benefit and council tax support and determine the level of checking needed for each claim. The policy had been updated to extend risk based verification to claims where a change in circumstances had been reported. The Equality Impact assessment was attached with the agenda.
Councillor Beales drew attention to the fact that the process was an indication of those cases which needed looking at more closely than others.
The Resources and Performance Panel had considered the item and supported the recommendations.
RECOMMENDED: That the updated risk based verification policy be adopted so it covers new claims and changes in circumstances.