Chapter 2: Audit Commission and Auditors: Functions and Procedure
Benefits inspections
Section 147: Powers of the Audit Commission relating to benefits
387.This section relates to the inspection of the administration of housing and council tax benefit by local authorities in England, which will be taken over by the Audit Commission, following its merger with the Benefit Fraud Inspectorate.
388.This section amends the Local Government Act 1999 to provide that if, following a best value inspection, the Audit Commission has concerns about the administration of housing and council tax benefit by a local authority it is required to send a report on its findings to the Secretary of State, who can then take action if appropriate.
Section 148: Benefits Fraud Inspectorate: transfers to Audit Commission
389.This section enables the Secretary of State to make transfer schemes transferring to the Audit Commission property, rights and liabilities relating to the inspection of the administration of housing benefit and council tax benefit by the Benefits Fraud Inspectorate.
390.A transfer scheme under this section may only transfer employees if the employee and the Audit Commission consent to the transfer. Schedule 10 to the Act makes further provision about transfer schemes.