Decision details

To agree the basis of Brent Council utilising an offsite processing contract (via a framework agreement) for the processing of Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support claims, to assist in backlog clearance and to provide future resilience against staff turnover during the implementation and rollout of Universal Credit.

Previous title: Offsite Resilience Contract for Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support processing

RESOLVED:

(i)            Cabinet gave authority to permit a third party service provider to make decisions relating to Housing Benefit (HB), Council Tax Benefit (CTB) and Council Tax Support (CTS) claims and associated Council Tax matters concerning discounts and liability, for the purposes set out within this report where the appropriate approvals have been obtained in compliance with Council standing orders and financial regulations; and

(ii)          Cabinet delegated authority to the Strategic Director of Resources in consultation with the Lead Member to authorise a third party service provider to make decisions relating to Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit and Council Tax Support claims and associated Council Tax matters concerning discounts and liability for any other specific and ad-hoc purposes that may arise subsequent to the circumstances set out within this report subject to the appropriate approvals being obtained in compliance with Council standing orders and financial regulations.