I know you are waiting breathlessly for the debate about benefit fraud at last week's council meeting.

Sadly I have to tell you nothing new was said.

Councillors stuck to the line that they had been grievously wronged in the very critical report by the Benefit Fraud Inspectorate reported in last week's Notebook.

Councillor Leslie Sussman, who chaired the scrutiny committee which looked into the report, said the Department of Social Security had since written to the council acknowledging the council was dealing with the weaknesses in its anti-fraud operation.

He did express concern there appeared to be a culture in Barnet of senior officers not responding to recommendations made by audit teams.

A more robust response from from Tory maverick Anthony Spencer who expressed alarm at the vast amount being paid out in benefit. He blamed the council reorganisation for the poor performance and morale amongst anti-fraud staff.

The council approved the measures being taken to deal with fraud and underlined that senior officers must take responsibility for implementing audit recommendations.

Notebook congratulates the council on keeping this matter out of public view for many months. And wonders how many other issues are under wraps.