Dealing with benefits locally would save millions of pounds

Published: 15 October, 2010

• YOUR readers will undoubtedly be aware of the media coverage surrounding the future of the benefits system.

It’s absolutely right that the system is reformed to make savings to the welfare bill and to create a fairer system that gets people into work.

Much of the debate, however, has missed a critical point that local and not central government is far better placed to administer benefits.

For example, at the moment if you live off the state and want your full range of benefits you need to apply to Job Centre Plus, the Department for Work and Pensions, Revenue and Customs and the council.

This all requires different information on a different form.

The unscrupulous exploit this, the vulnerable find it impossible to complete the paperwork and the proud don’t claim at all.

The problem is compounded further by a benefits structure which is too complicated, subject to high levels of fraud, and ineffective in supporting people into employment.

We believe that the first and only port of call for a benefits claimant should be the local council with housing, social care and employment services all under one roof.

By cutting out unnecessary costs and administration we could save local taxpayers in Westminster around £25million a year.

Implemented nationwide, the savings could run into hundreds of millions of pounds.

This may seem like an obvious steps, but it is key to rolling back the centralised state in favour of nimble targeted local services.

COLIN BARROW
Leader, Westminster
City Council
Westminster City Council
Victoria Street
SW1