Currently, local authorities only have functions in respect of Housing Benefit (HB) and Council Tax Benefit (CTB). They are paid subsidy for administering these benefits under section 140B(4A) of the Administration Act.
Paragraph 80 of Schedule 12 amends the Administration Act to enable local authorities to be paid for the extra work arising from sections 57, 58 and 71, through an extension of the normal subsidy mechanisms.
Sections 57 and 58 provide for local authorities to undertake work-focused interviews; section 71 enables them to perform functions relating to claims and information for a wider range of social security benefits.
Commentary Schedule 12Part II