Issue - meetings

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.