benefit fraud inspectors are to visit local authorities

Inspectors are looking at performance in local authorities in Kent, Suffolk, Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Nottinghamshire and Wales.

Housing benefit fraud is a concern said Chris Pond, Under Secretary of State for Work and Pensions.

"But the overall administration of all benefits will also be looked at."

Mr Pond outlined in a written statement the programme to be undertaken by the Benefit Fraud Inspectorate.

He said: "Inspections will focus on the time taken to process benefit claims in Mid-Suffolk District Council and Flintshire County Council."

Full inspections

Counter-fraud arrangements will go under the spotlight in South Buckinghamshire District Council, South Cambridgeshire DC and Gravesham Borough Council in Kent.

Full inspections are to be carried out in four local authorities which have been identified as having a poor or fair record under the Comprehensive Performance Assessment regime.

"These include Castle Point Borough Council in Essex, Mansfield DC in Nottinghamshire, and South Northamptonshire DC," said Mr Pond.

"A full inspection will also be made into Bromsgrove DC's benefits service with the agreement of a government monitoring board which has been set up by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister."