(a)          Decision(s)

(1)  That the process of Risk Based Verification (RBV) for verifying housing benefit and council tax reduction claims, as outlined in the Cabinet report, be approved and adopted.

(2)   That RBV be implemented in accordance with the policy described in the Cabinet report.

(b)       Reason(s) for Decision(s)

To facilitate the introduction of a more efficient policy for dealing with the evidence requirements associated with the assessment of housing benefit and council tax reduction claims.

(c)        Alternative Options Considered

None.

(d)       Relevant Scrutiny Committee

Finance and Services.  That Committee had received a similar report at its meeting on 5 September, 2017.  The Chairman of that Committee attended Cabinet and reported that the Committee was fully supportive of the proposal.

(e)        Conflicts of Interest / Dispensation(s)

None.