Written question asked by Lord Flight (Conservative) on Thursday, 3 February 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 21 February 2005. It was answered by Chris Pond (Labour) on Monday, 21 February 2005 on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.

Dept for Work and Pensions

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how the processing of housing benefit by local authorities is measured in terms of (a) efficiency, (b) accuracy and (c) fraud.

Answer: Mr. Flight: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how the processing of housing benefit by local authorities is measured in terms of (a) efficiency, (b) accuracy and (c) fraud. [215132] Mr. Pond: The Department for Work and Pensions sets Performance Standards, which includes performance indicators, to help DWP, and local authorities themselves, assess performance in the administration of housing benefit (HB) and council tax benefit (CTB). Additionally, the Benefit Fraud Inspectorate reports to the Secretary of State on the administration of HB and CTB and, in particular, on the prevention and detection of fraud relating to these benefits.

Secondary information