Issue - meetings

Mr Aaron Winter (BDO LLP) presented the report detailing the outcome of the recent Housing Benefits audit.  This audit had attained an opinion of substantial on design opinion and moderate on design effectiveness. Members were advised that two minor recommendations had been raised but overall, it was a very positive report.

Members complimented the Housing Team on the results of this audit.

In response to a question regarding the overpayment of housing benefit, the Assistant Director – Service Delivery explained that this related to payments made to a customer incorrectly and could be for a number of reasons. She provided detail of the process followed and reassured the Committee that the Council made every effort to recover these monies, however there were some circumstances where monies could not be recovered. It was explained that the overpayments were not a cost to the Council and reviewed by the Government if they were above a set level which the Council had not reached for a number of years.

The Chairperson moved the recommendation set out in the Officers’ report and this was duly agreed.

RESOLVED that the Committee considered, commented and approved the Housing Benefits report at Agenda Item 7c.