Housing Benefit interviews

Hi

Does anyone know if there are an official / good practice guidelines on how to conduct an interview (not an interview under caution - just a general fact-finding interview), and way the interview should be recorded?

If so where can I obtain a copy?

Thanks

Lucy

Interviews Under Caution are covered by PACE but rarely (imo) up to the standard either required.

However, due the tribunal structure and burden of proof a ‘dodgy’ interview will not rule the interview as ‘inadmissable.’

A solicitor is unlikely to attend as there is no chance of being paid until charged with benefit fraud.

Community Legal Advice used to do a lovely leaflet on the matter but that’s gone now.

There are a few references to local authority duties in relation to “customer” interviews on the DWP website Lucy.

Is the service meeting the need of the community and or users?

Oh, and John, you can still find online resources about IUC’s on the Advice Now website

How to handle an interview under caution

An earlier thread my be of interest:

http://www.rightsnet.org.uk/forums/viewthread/1362