28 November 2007 – Benefit Fraud Inspectorate (BFI) Comprehensive Performance Assessment (CPA) Reports
The Benefit Fraud Inspectorate has today published the 2007 Comprehensive Performance Assessment (CPA) results for benefit services in single tier authorities. The results follow assessments based on the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit Performance Standards.
The results show that the 115 single tier authorities assessed have improved on the levels of performance reached last year. 108 authorities are assessed by the BFI as providing an excellent or good service and 7 provide a benefits service that is fair.
The results and reports for the individual authorities are available on the BFI website site, www.bfi.gov.uk
Notes to Editors
- The BFI assessments use self-assessments supplied by the single tier authorities in England and these are based on the DWP Performance Standards. The assessments also take into consideration performance information supplied to DWP.
- In line with other inspectorates BFI uses a 4-point scale for scoring service assessment together with single word labels.
- The BFI results contribute to the Audit Commission corporate scores and these are due to be published in February 2008.
- Copies of the BFI CPA Benefit service assessments can be obtained from our website at www.bfi.gov.uk You can also e-mail requests to bfi-distribution@dwp.gsi.gov.uk
- BFI was launched in November 1997 as part of the Government’s initiatives to reduce the high levels of fraud in the social security system. BFI inspects the effectiveness and security of benefit administration within the Department for Work and Pensions and local authorities. It is part of the Department but operates independently of those responsible for administering benefits and reports directly to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions. BFI’s reports are published to promote good practice.
BFI press enquiries: 01423 83 2982
Website: www.bfi.gov.uk