The UK Government recently set a new target to save at least £1.3billion in 2023-24 through its dedicated counter fraud and error resource. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) said this will be a significant increase on the £1.1billion savings achieved last year, cracking down further on those exploiting the benefits system and stealing from those who most need help.
In a new video shared on social media, Neil Couling, CB CBE Director General responsible for tackling fraud, explained that the newly formed ‘Targeted Case Review team’ is now reviewing millions of Universal Credit claims for fraud and error. At present, some 85 staff are checking claims, but by the end of the year “3,000 agents in more than 17 sites across Great Britain” will be checking claims as it ramps up reviews.
Mr Couling said that existing claimants are being “asked and supported to provide evidence including bank statements, to identify any discrepancies”
In the short video posted on the DWP’s official Twitter account, he said: “Our newly formed Targeted Case review team is reviewing millions of Universal Credit claims for fraud and error.
“Eighty-five staff are based at Basildon doing fantastic work ensuring customers have accurately declared their circumstances. That means customers are asked and supported to provide evidence including bank statements, to identify any discrepancies.”
The video then shows a DWP agent explaining how they are “able to identify early, any error that might be on the claim, be able to correct it, supporting the claimant to make the necessary correction by reporting a change of circumstance where necessary as well as identifying potential fraud and alerting our Counter Fraud department about this”.
The video ends with Mr Couling saying: “And we’re ramping up this work. By the end of this year, we will have nearly 3,000 agents in more than 17 sites across Great Britain.”
The details of the DWP’s plan to tackle benefit fraud and error is outlined in its Annual Report and Accounts. The latest national statistics show the rate of overpayments due to fraud and error has fallen by 10 per cent over the last year.
Commenting last week, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Mel Stride MP, said: “Our tightened fraud controls and checks resulted in a significant reduction in fraud and error in the last year and now we are seeing the tide start to turn.
“Given that our welfare system exists to provide a strong financial safety net for the most vulnerable, it is imperative we continue to prevent anyone abusing this for their own profit, which is why we’re setting a new target to save £1.3bn in the next year and root out fraud wherever we find it.”
Minister responsible for tackling fraud, Tom Pursglove MP, said: “Our teams are working flat out to prevent new fraudulent claims and expose people who have been exploiting the system - with strong results.
“But we know we need to go even further, because the fraud landscape is changing, with the tactics used by criminals evolving quickly.
“Working towards our ambitious new target over the next year will protect taxpayers’ hard-earned cash and enable us to deliver on the Prime Minister’s priorities to reduce debt and grow the economy.”
To keep up to date with the latest benefits news, join our Money Saving Scotland Facebook page here, follow us on Twitter @Record_Money, or subscribe to our newsletter which goes out Monday to Friday - sign up here.
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