The Interim Head of Mid-Kent Revenues and Benefits
Partnership introduced the report on the outcome of the work
undertaken by Grant Thornton, the External Auditor, to certify the
Housing Benefit Subsidy claim for 2021/22. It was noted that:
·
The Housing Benefit Subsidy claim for 2021/22 was
completed by Maidstone Borough Council Officers in April 2022 and
checked during 2022/23. Unfortunately,
due to staff resource issues at Grant Thornton, the External
Auditor, the claim was not signed off until March 2024. Whilst the audit identified four errors for which
an adjustment had to be made, the original claim as presented by
the Council was held to be 99.99% accurate.
·
The Housing Benefit Subsidy claim for 2022/23 had
still to be reviewed by Grant Thornton.
In response to questions, the Interim Head of
Mid-Kent Revenues and Benefits Partnership explained that the
rigorous audit was a requirement of the Department for Works and
Pensions (DWP) to ensure the accuracy of the Housing Benefit
Subsidy claim, and the Council did receive an administration grant
from the DWP which partly offset the Officer cost
involved.
RESOLVED:
1. That the
findings of the audit of the Housing Benefit Subsidy claim 2021/22
undertaken by Grant Thornton be noted.
2.
That the Revenues and Benefits Service be thanked for the accuracy
of its work.