8 May 2012
From today, Ministers will be able to fine benefit cheats up to £2,000, with a minimum penalty of £350 without having to take them to court. This measure, part of the Welfare Reform Act, is expected to save the taxpayer an estimated £42 million over the next three years.
Low level fraudsters will now face these additional financial penalties alongside paying back any money they have stolen. Cautions will no longer be an option, meaning no fraudster escapes without punishment.
Welfare Reform Minister Lord Freud said:
"We always push for the strongest possible punishment for benefit thieves who are stealing money from the people who need it the most. When it makes financial sense to do so, we will prosecute through the courts but where very little or no money has been stolen we will fine people as well as recover any overpayment, hitting fraudsters where it hurts the most.
"We are getting tougher and no one will escape justice with a mere slap on the wrists."
Last year around 7,300 administrative penalties were issued to benefit fraudsters.
The tougher administrative penalties are the first of a range of new powers in the Welfare Reform Act designed to deter fraudsters. Other penalties coming into effect in the future to cut down on fraud and error include:
Note to Editors:
Media Enquiries: 0203 267 5161
Out of hours: 07659 108883
Website: www.dwp.gov.uk
Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/dwppressoffice
Copyright © 2025 · All Rights Reserved · Institute of Revenues Rating and Valuation
Warning: Undefined array key "User_id" in /home/irrvnet/public_html/forumalert/inc_footer.php on line 4