AUDIT, GOVERNANCE AND STANDARDS COMMITTEE |
16 JANUARY 2017 |
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Is the final decision on the recommendations in this report to be made at this meeting? |
Yes |
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Housing Benefit Grant Claim |
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Final Decision-Maker |
Audit, Governance and Standards Committee |
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Lead Head of Service |
Sheila Coburn |
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Lead Officer and Report Author |
Liz Norris |
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Classification |
Public |
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Wards affected |
All |
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This report makes the following recommendations to this Committee: |
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1. That the Committee notes the Grant Thornton assurance that the Council maintains a strong control environment for the preparation and monitoring of grant claims and returns.
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This report relates to the following corporate priorities:
In maintaining effective financial controls the Council is able to confidently progress its priorities. |
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· Keeping Maidstone Borough an attractive place for all · Securing a successful economy for Maidstone Borough |
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Timetable |
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Meeting |
Date |
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Audit, Governance and Standards Committee |
16th January 2017 |
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Housing Benefit Grant Claim |
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1. PURPOSE OF REPORT AND EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
1.1 To consider the outcome of the Grant Thornton work to certify the subsidy claim that the Council submitted during 2015-2016.
2. INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND
2.1 Grant Thornton undertook work to certify the Housing Benefit grant claim that was submitted by the Council with a value of £47.3 million, with the process completed in advance of the 30th November 2016 deadline set by the Department of Work and Pensions.
2.2 The level and form of testing reflect the value and specific requirements of the grant paying body, as detailed within Appendix A.
3. PREFERRED OPTION AND REASONS FOR RECOMMENDATIONS
3.1 Report is provided for information only.
4. CONSULTATION RESULTS AND PREVIOUS COMMITTEE FEEDBACK
4.1 Report is provided for information only.
5. CROSS-CUTTING ISSUES AND IMPLICATIONS
Issue |
Implications |
Sign-off |
Impact on Corporate Priorities |
In maintaining effective financial controls the Council is able to confidently progress its priorities |
Head of Revenues and Benefits |
Risk Management |
Certification provides external assurance to the Council on the effectiveness of its contents around accurate payment and recording of benefit expenditure |
Head of Audit Service |
Financial |
The financial considerations have been outlined within the body of the report and attached appendices |
Section 151 Officer |
Staffing |
No Impact |
Head of Revenues and Benefits |
Legal |
No Impact |
Interim Deputy Head of Legal Partnership |
Equality Impact Needs Assessment |
No Impact |
Head of Revenues and Benefits |
Environmental/Sustainable Development |
No Impact |
Head of Revenues and Benefits |
Community Safety |
No Impact |
Head of Revenues and Benefits |
Human Rights Act |
No Impact |
Head of Revenues and Benefits |
Procurement |
No Impact |
Head of Revenues and Benefits |
Asset Management |
No Impact |
Head of Revenues and Benefits |
6. REPORT APPENDICES
The following documents are to be published with this report and form part of the report:
· Appendix A: Grant Thornton Certification Letter
7. BACKGROUND PAPERS
None.