Press release
From:
Department for Work and Pensions and The Rt Hon Lord Freud
First published:
19 May 2016
Part of:
New figures show that fraud and error in the benefits system remains at the lowest level ever recorded.
Overall fraud and error stayed at 1.8% with claimant and official error both falling to record lows.
Dedicated investigators work hard to pursue and prosecute those who try to defraud the system. Last year £980 million of taxpayers money was recovered – the highest amount ever and £50 million more than the previous year.
Welfare Reform Minister, Lord Freud, said:
Benefit fraud is a serious crime taking money away from those in genuine need. That’s why our investigators work tirelessly to target criminals and bring them to justice.
We are implementing vital reforms to improve detection, prevention and recovery to protect taxpayers money. The fact that fraud and error is at a record low reflects that work.
Last year we referred over 5,000 people for prosecution for fraud and issued nearly 8,000 penalties.
To strengthen the fight against fraud and error in the benefit system, the government:
Media enquiries for this press release: 0203 267 5112
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Scotland (local media enquiries) 0131 310 1122
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