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17/06/2004
Social Security Agency reduces fraud losses by £6.25m
The Social Security Agency has saved more than £6.25 million of taxpayers’ money after investigating more than 4,000 cases of benefit fraud, it was revealed today.
During the period from April 2003 to March 2004, the Agency investigated more than 7,700 benefit cases, resulting in changes to the benefits paid in almost 4,000 instances. Of these, 345 people were prosecuted.
The Agency said its “two-tier approach” of prevention and prosecution of benefit fraud had saved millions of pounds that would otherwise have been lost from the public purse.
A spokesperson for the Agency said: “The Agency is committed to reducing benefit fraud. We have had a number of high profile successes this year and prevented the loss of a lot of money to the exchequer. Agency staff will continue to be vigilant and investigations will be thorough.”
Citing a recent court case, the agency revealed that a Belfast woman convicted at Newtownards Magistrates Court had fraudulently received more than £2,600 of Income Support and more than £4,000 in Housing Benefit.
The court heard that she had cashed Social Security cheques during 2003 despite not being entitled to such benefits, after failing to notify the Agency that she was “working and signing”.
The woman was sentenced to 12 months probation, ordered to pay court costs and to pay back the overpayment to the Social Security Agency.
(MB)
During the period from April 2003 to March 2004, the Agency investigated more than 7,700 benefit cases, resulting in changes to the benefits paid in almost 4,000 instances. Of these, 345 people were prosecuted.
The Agency said its “two-tier approach” of prevention and prosecution of benefit fraud had saved millions of pounds that would otherwise have been lost from the public purse.
A spokesperson for the Agency said: “The Agency is committed to reducing benefit fraud. We have had a number of high profile successes this year and prevented the loss of a lot of money to the exchequer. Agency staff will continue to be vigilant and investigations will be thorough.”
Citing a recent court case, the agency revealed that a Belfast woman convicted at Newtownards Magistrates Court had fraudulently received more than £2,600 of Income Support and more than £4,000 in Housing Benefit.
The court heard that she had cashed Social Security cheques during 2003 despite not being entitled to such benefits, after failing to notify the Agency that she was “working and signing”.
The woman was sentenced to 12 months probation, ordered to pay court costs and to pay back the overpayment to the Social Security Agency.
(MB)
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£3m recouped from benefit cheats
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
