Newham Benefits
Service
The Benefits Service's aim is to
be the best benefits service in London.
A third of the Newham's households are dependent on benefit
to pay some or all of their rent or council tax.
We manage and pay Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit, and
Discretionary Housing Payments.
In the past, the service has been poor and claiming benefit could
often be a stressful experience for some of the borough's most
vulnerable residents. The service has now been transformed and we
remain committed to developing and improving the service into the
Capital's best.
By processing claims quickly and accurately, the service will
promote good landlord tenant relationships, increase security of
tenure, improve housing choice and reduce barriers to work and
promote a positive image of the Council. In achieving these
objectives the Benefits Service can help to make Newham a place
where people will choose to live and work.
Specifically, we will strive to provide a
continually improving service that:
- Is customer-focused, modern and
efficient
- Is speedy and accurate
- Reduces the risks of error and
fraud
- Is resourced sufficiently to
deliver the intended service
- Is accessible to everyone in the
community
- Ensures claimants receive the
benefit to which they are entitled
- Minimises barriers to work
- Helps claimants to live in decent
housing and improves housing choice
- Recovers overpayments
- Reduces the level of fraud and
error
- Investigates potential fraud and
punishes it where it is found
- Encourages a strong culture of
good performance within the organisation