Act To Cut Housing Benefit Delays

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 9th Apr 2003

Norman Lamb, the Liberal Democrat MP for North Norfolk, has released new figures which show that some Norfolk local authorities are struggling to process new Housing Benefit claims at an adequate rate.

Mr Lamb's research shows that the wait for a claim to be processed varies between 33 days (Norwich City Council, October/December 2002) and 132 days (South Norfolk District Council, September 2001).

"This is an issue about which I have been contacted by many constituents," said Mr Lamb. "Delays in processing Housing Benefit can create serious problems for claimants. Those entering the private housing market risk losing their accommodation while they wait to receive their benefit, while landlords are discouraged from taking on new tenants who are claiming Housing Benefit.

"One of the big problems councils are having concerns the Verification Framework, aimed at tackling benefit fraud, with which they must all be compliant. Many of the councils I questioned confirmed that while the Government has provided extra money for staff as a result, the problems they are having go beyond staffing levels.

"I am aware that steps have been taken by councils across Norfolk to provide a more efficient service, and that waiting times have been falling. However, there are still big differences between the waiting times in different areas of Norfolk. The worst of the waiting times must be brought down."