Issue - meetings

To consider a report on the actual performance of the Improvement Plan during Quarter 3, 2011/12.

(Report attached)

A report was received setting out information relating to the performance of the Benefits service and on a number of major changes arising from forthcoming legislation which were due to impact on the service over coming months and years.

The meeting was provided with an update on the major implications of the Welfare Reform Bill, key amongst which was the proposal to introduce a Universal Credit in place of a range of existing benefits, intended to simplify the system of claiming benefits and encourage and reward employment.

Concern was expressed that there may be unintended consequences from the legislation, with measures such as the size restrictions in social tenancies and Council Tax Benefit replacement leading to increasing levels of homelessness within the Borough and more widely. A question was also asked concerning the low numbers of prosecutions and cautions resulting from the large volume of investigations carried out. Officers explained that the majority of cases were generated by either data matching or referrals from official sources, including other members of Council staff.

RESOLVED that

the report be noted.