Decision details

Approval of an updated Fraud Sanction Policy.

Purpose of Report

For Executive to consider and approve a revised Fraud Sanction Policy, in respect of the shared Revenues and Benefits service between City of Lincoln Council and North Kesteven District Council.

Decision

That the Fraud Sanction Policy be approved.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

None.

Reason for Decision

A Fraud Sanction Policy was in place affecting both of the councils within the shared revenues and benefits service. On 1 October 2014, responsibility for investigation of Housing Benefit fraud in respect of City of Lincoln and North Kesteven had transferred to the Single Fraud Investigation Service (SFIS) under the Department for Work and Pensions.  However, numerous functions remained with the local authorities, including;

·         the provision of data to SFIS

·         consideration of Administrative Penalties

·         investigation of Council Tax Support fraud

Noting that no objections to the proposed policy had been raised by the Policy Scrutiny Committee, revisions to the Fraud Sanction Policy were approved to reflect work now being undertaken by SFIS and the different levels of overpayment value being considered for prosecution.