A Double achievement for Gloucester City Council !
We are delighted to announce that we have been shortlisted for two prestigious awards at this year's Institute of Revenues, Rating and Valuation (IRRV) Performance Awards 2011.
The Benefits Service has been announced as finalists in two of the judging categories:-
'Excellence in Social Inclusion' - thanks to the dedication of the Welfare Rights team which works tirelessly to improve the lives of Gloucester residents.
The team transcend traditional geographical, economic and cultural barriers to reach out and assist vulnerable, isolated, elderly, seldom heard and socially disadvantaged members of our community. They provide a holistic approach when dealing with poverty and ensure that welfare benefits are accessible to all and make sure that monetary and physical assistance is received by those in most need.
During 2010/11 the team (who speak 9 different languages) tapped into £1million in unclaimed benefits. Without the dedicated intervention of the team, this would have been lost forever
‘Excellence in Anti Fraud’ - The work of Local Authority Investigators is well documented for their levels of success. The Benefits Service fraud team work with very limited resources, however they have a sheer determination, innovation and commitment to uncovering fraud in the benefit system exist.
Good publicity and media attention has in turn led to great confidence in the team, which has increased fraud referrals and the resultant success. The Gloucester Benefit Fraud Team is a High Performing, Low Cost team not content to chase quick wins but to investigate fully and work with all partner organisations.
The winners of both categories will be announced on 22nd September 2011.
Last Modified: Tuesday 20 March 2012