Gravesham Council's Benefits Service (the Service) provides a service rated as 'fair' with 'promising' prospects for improvement.
New claims and changes in circumstances are processed quickly. A robust and consistent approach is reducing fraud and sanctions are pursued against perpetrators. The Service is making effective use of Discretionary Housing Payments. Income through subsidy is managed. Financial loss because of Council error and delay in processing benefit claims is minimised.
The Service is using the feedback it gathers and is more responsive to the needs of its users. Value for money is improving. The Council's own review has delivered improvements in outcomes for customers and savings are reinvested into the Service. Partnership working is delivering efficiencies and the Council continues to identify further opportunities for increased joint working.