Issue - meetings

1)  That subject to the agreement of Kent County Council, Tunbridge Wells and Swale Borough Councils, the continuation of a Counter Fraud Team to reduce the level of customer fraud and error in relation to council tax and business rates be approved;

2)  That the Head of Revenues and Benefits Shared Service be authorised to make the necessary operational arrangements as set out in the report of the Head of Revenues and Benefits Shared Service;

3)  That authority be delegated to the Director of Environment and Shared Services to negotiate and subject to reaching satisfactory terms, enter into a collaboration agreement with Kent County Council, Tunbridge Wells and Swale Borough Councils for the continued delivery of Counter Fraud Service for council tax and business rates; and

4)  That a review of the service be undertaken in 18 months with a further report to be provided to the Committee detailing the impact of the service on Fraud and Error.

The Committee considered the report of the Head of Revenues and Benefits Shared Services which set out a proposal for joint funding for a dedicated team of fraud investigators.

Councillor Ross declared an interest in this item as he both prosecuted and defended clients in relation to benefit fraud in parts of Kent other than Maidstone. It was noted that as this report related to a principle of the way this Council wanted to move forward, it would not preclude him from participating in the debate and vote.

RESOLVED:

1)  That subject to the agreement of Kent County Council, Tunbridge Wells and Swale Borough Councils, the continuation of a Counter Fraud Team to reduce the level of customer fraud and error in relation to council tax and business rates be approved;

2)  That the Head of Revenues and Benefits Shared Service be authorised to make the necessary operational arrangements as set out in the report of the Head of Revenues and Benefits Shared Service;

3)  That authority be delegated to the Director of Environment and Shared Services to negotiate and subject to reaching satisfactory terms, enter into a collaboration agreement with Kent County Council, Tunbridge Wells and Swale Borough Councils for the continued delivery of Counter Fraud Service for council tax and business rates; and

4)  That a review of the service be undertaken in 18 months with a further report to be provided to the Committee detailing the impact of the service on Fraud and Error.

Voting:  For:  14  Against:  0  Abstentions:    0