According to new figures released by the Department for Work and Pensions, fraud and error in the benefit system is falling as the government continues to reduce levels and protect taxpayers’ money. The statistics show that in the last year, fraud and error rates in 2023 fell to 3.6% (£8.3 billion) from 4.0% (£8.7 billion).
This includes Universal Credit losses falling from 14.7% (£5,920 million) to 12.8% (£5,540 million). The national statistics also show that there are reduced rates of fraud overall and within Universal Credit.
Across the UK more than 20 million people are claiming State Pension or benefits from the DWP to help with the cost of living, and the government is working to stop those exploiting the benefits system. Minister responsible for tackling fraud, Tom Pursglove MP, said: “Benefit fraud is never a victimless crime, which is why it’s entirely right we stop money going to fraudsters and serious crime groups intent on exploiting the system - and is instead paid to the people who need it reports The Daily Record.
