Issue - meetings

To advise Members of actual performance during Quarter 4 of the Improvement Plan.

(Report attached)

RESOLVED that

the report be noted.

The Committee considered a report on the performance of the Benefits Service during quarter 4 of the 2009/10 financial year together with an update on progress against the Benefits Service Improvement Plan.

Officers reported that work was ongoing to progress the aims of the Improvement Plan in partnership with the Performance Development Team (PDT) from the Department of Work and Pensions.  In particular the main areas to be improved were the management and collection of overpaid Housing Benefit, adopting a Take-Up Strategy, accessibility of the service and setting challenging service standards and performance targets.

Members were informed that the overpayment recovery process had been mapped and an Overpayments Officer appointed.  Officers reported that overpayments amounting to £116,139 had been recovered during the quarter.

A Take-Up Strategy had been created that would help local people maximise their income.  Consultation had taken place with stakeholders including Job Centre Plus, Age UK and the Citizens Advice Bureau and the strategy would be promoted through a variety of scheduled events and activities.  Services users had been asked for their views on all aspects of service provision and closer working relationships were being sought with voluntary and community organisations.

RESOLVED that

the report be noted.