Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Corporate Director, Corporate and Support Services and Deputy Chief Executive.

The report sets out the current process of dealing with the evidence requirements in support of new claims for Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support via Risk Based Verification.

The Committee is asked to approve the revocation of Stockport Council’s Risk Based Verification Policy with effect from 31 March 2021 and agree the recommended process for gathering evidence in support of Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support claims from 1 April 2021.

Officer contact: Andrea Griffiths on 218 1075 or email: andrea.griffiths@stockport.gov.uk

The Corporate Director, Corporate and Support Services and Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) which set out the current process of dealing with the evidence requirements in support of new claims for Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support via Risk Based Verification.

The following comments were made/issues raised:

·         Members asked whether the new software would result in more delays for people, especially those claiming housing benefit, whether there was a risk that people could be placed in even greater debt?  In response, Members were advised that there were very few new housing benefit claimants as most people were now having to claim Universal Credit.  Claimant information could be verified almost immediately, and it would be very rare that additional evidence and supporting evidence would be requested.  Therefore, decision making should not be delayed.

·         Members commented that it was good to know that the new system was robust and that there was no cost involved in changing.

RESOLVED – (i) That the report be noted.

(ii)  That approval be given to the revocation of Stockport Council’s Risk Based Verification Policy with effect from 31 March 2021 and the recommended process for gathering evidence in support of Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support claims from 1 April 2021.