LA consultation groups
This section contains details of the consultation groups that have been set up between local authority (LA) representatives and the DWP to consider significant strategic issues on the design and administration of Housing Benefit (HB), which includes Local Housing Allowance (LHA) and Council Tax Benefit (CTB).
The DWP has a statutory obligation to consult with LA representatives on all aspects of the administration of HB/CTB and it does that via the Local Government Association, Welsh Local Government Association, Convention of Scottish Local Authorities and London Councils.
The purpose of these arrangements is to ensure that local authorities are kept abreast of DWP policy and strategy developments that affect them and have the opportunity, where possible, to help shape them.
The main consultation groups are as follows:
DWP/Local Authority Associations (LAAs) Steering Group
This is the main forum for engaging with the local authority associations. The group meets monthly and considers all significant strategic issues on the design and administration of HB/CTB - as well as other DWP issues that impact on HB/CTB. In particular, the Steering Group is responsible for considering all matters relating to the funding of local authorities through DWP subsidy.
Practitioners Operations Group (POG)
This Group operates under the umbrella of the DWP/LAA Steering Group to provide a sounding board and interchange forum for officials and LAA nominated local authority practitioners to discuss issues with specific emphasis on HB/CTB administration.
The documents for this Group are available below:
- POG Terms of Reference (30KB)
- POG Minutes
- Service
Level Agreement - Between the Local Authorities and the Tribunals Service (6KB)
- National
Service Agreement - Between the Local Authorities and the Tribunals Service (52KB)
- Letter - Partnership
Agreement between Jobcentre Plus and Local Authorities (24KB)
- Partnership Agreement between
Jobcentre Plus and Local Authorities (89KB)
Security Operations Group (SOG)
This Group (formerly the Fraud Operational Group), operates under the umbrella of the DWP/LAA Steering Group to provide a sounding board and interchange forum for officials and LAA nominated local authority practitioners to discuss issues and explore strategy proposals, with specific emphasis on fraud and error and compliance issues. The group reports back to the Steering Group on its work and outcomes.
The documents for this Group are available below:
