Notice to Providers

10 December 2008

Gateway to Work (GtW) Payments to Providers

Dear Provider,

It has been brought to our attention that some providers have inadvertently been paid two unit costs for delivering Gateway to Work for the same customer. This can occur if the customer fails to complete provision and is referred for “balance of time” without being identified as a previous participant. This money has subsequently been recovered following reconciliation action.

The policy regarding payments is outlined in the Provider Guidance Chapter 4 which confirms that the single unit cost is the maximum payable for full delivery of the Gateway to Work programme, whether this is achieved during one attendance or over a number of periods.

Chapter 4 states:
“The prices in the Rates Look-Up Table shows the maximum unit cost the provider could receive if a participant completes the full programme and attains the appropriate outcome(s)”

Should an overpayment occur, this amount is recoverable in line with the DWP generic terms and conditions.

Jobcentre Plus colleagues have been asked to re-visit their own processes to ensure that such cases are identified at the referral stage to prevent overpayments.