lengthy Customer Compliance investigation...?

Hi Guys,

Don't worry, was a bit shocked so I had a look at Gordons link.

It seems that these bodies seem to be checking on people who are on income related benefits, to match what is stated on application.

However, i do feel sorry for people like Mimmy who can justify her councils intrusion into her bank account.

Nevertheless, i still worry what will happen now that the government has a contract with experian, i wonder what will be clasified as "reasonable"????

Thanks.

Radhika.

Hello again - and thanks for the replies.
I kept my original query as brief as possible as a full explanation of my ongoing tussle with the council would be long-winded, complicated, and probably boring for anyone but myself! Suffice to say, I've done nothing wrong - but once an allegation is made it has to be looked at. I'd just be interested to know if anyone else has been investigated by the DWP Compliance Dept, and how long it took to be told of the outcome.
Cheers!

mimmy wrote:

Hi there.
I had a visit from a DWP Customer Compliance officer Nov 1st 2011. The council, having nosied through my banking activity, had apparently claimed I'd received monies I should've declared. I was able to show statements, etc, to prove said money is in fact my father's savings and that I'm co-signatory on his account as he is in a care home and I have to oversee payment of his fees, etc. The CC officer was quite understanding but said the final decision wasn't hers. I'd expected to hear something back within a few weeks but so far I've heard nothing. Does it normally take this long to find out the upshot of these investigations?
Any advice appreciated.

Hi Mimmy

I'm not too familiar with CCIs but I do know that they are only certain to contact you again if they need further information or wish to pursue the case. If they are satisfied that the claimant is receiving the correct amount of benefit, unless they told you that they will be in contact again, they may close the case without any further correspondence.

Regards

Derek

Hi just read your post. Since you are also overseeeing your fathers needs you might find some information or help also on carersuk.org website . They also have an advice line 0808 808 7777 unsure on opening times. When I use to look after my fathers care needs and managing his money I found carer uk website mag very helpful.
When your dealing with your own illness/disability and needs of a loved one you need support and understanding not penilising.
Best of luck with everything.

meg

Mimmy,

I hope all goes well for you, unfortunately i personally do not have any experience with your case, however,i do strongly feel that although an allegation was made and you can justify yourself, if i were you i would get advise from a solicitor, as you say that you have ongoing tussles with the council.

Furthermore, probably by getting a solicitor involved, it may sort out your problems once and for all and leave you in peace to concentrate on your father, who probably needs your support and time.

All the best.

Radhika

Derek - thank you very much for this info. I kinda felt 10 weeks was a long wait - plus my benefit hasn't been altered in any way during that time - so it may well be that the DWP were satisfied with the evidence I provided. I certainly hope so. To be fair, I've always had reasonable and fair treatment from the DWP and I appreciate they have to follow up allegations. Far more worrying is the behaviour of the local authority who made what amounts to a speculative/false allegation. I'll be taking legal advice.
Wish me luck!