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12/02/2004
Benefit fraud crackdown saves taxpayers £400m
A government crackdown against fraud and error has saved £400 million of taxpayers money, according official statistics released today.
The figures showed that overpayments in 2002/03 were £400 million less than they would have been if fraud and error had stayed at the same level as the baseline year of 1997/98.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) said that it had reduced fraud by 29% - exceeding its initial target of cutting fraud and error by a quarter by April 2004. Last year, there were over 32,000 prosecutions and sanctions of fraudsters.
It has been estimated that around £2 billion is lost every year to benefit fraud across all forms of benefit. But the DWP said that the latest annual figures for the main two benefits, Income Support and Jobseeker's Allowance, showed the government was on course to cut fraud and error by half by 2006.
Anti-Fraud Minister Chris Pond said: "The determined crackdown on fraud and error is paying off - and that's good news for taxpayers.
"Money stolen by benefit cheats could be spent on other services like hospitals and schools, so fraud is never a victimless crime.
"We must continue to work hard to achieve our targets but the results of our action over the last few years have been very encouraging.
"Benefit fraud investigators now have more powers than ever to tackle and punish benefit fraud and the ongoing campaign to deter fraudsters is showing results. Our efforts both to prevent fraud and detect it when it happens are paying off for the taxpayer."
(gmcg)
The figures showed that overpayments in 2002/03 were £400 million less than they would have been if fraud and error had stayed at the same level as the baseline year of 1997/98.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) said that it had reduced fraud by 29% - exceeding its initial target of cutting fraud and error by a quarter by April 2004. Last year, there were over 32,000 prosecutions and sanctions of fraudsters.
It has been estimated that around £2 billion is lost every year to benefit fraud across all forms of benefit. But the DWP said that the latest annual figures for the main two benefits, Income Support and Jobseeker's Allowance, showed the government was on course to cut fraud and error by half by 2006.
Anti-Fraud Minister Chris Pond said: "The determined crackdown on fraud and error is paying off - and that's good news for taxpayers.
"Money stolen by benefit cheats could be spent on other services like hospitals and schools, so fraud is never a victimless crime.
"We must continue to work hard to achieve our targets but the results of our action over the last few years have been very encouraging.
"Benefit fraud investigators now have more powers than ever to tackle and punish benefit fraud and the ongoing campaign to deter fraudsters is showing results. Our efforts both to prevent fraud and detect it when it happens are paying off for the taxpayer."
(gmcg)
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30 October 2006
Campaign to crack down on benefit cheats launched
The government has launched a campaign which aims to crack down on benefit cheats. The 'No Ifs, No Buts' campaign stresses the message that there are no excuses for committing benefit fraud. It is estimated that almost £1 billion was lost last year through benefit fraud, compared to £2 billion in 2001.
Campaign to crack down on benefit cheats launched
The government has launched a campaign which aims to crack down on benefit cheats. The 'No Ifs, No Buts' campaign stresses the message that there are no excuses for committing benefit fraud. It is estimated that almost £1 billion was lost last year through benefit fraud, compared to £2 billion in 2001.
21 January 2004
Conviction warning for benefits fraudsters
The government have claimed a victory today in the fight against benefits fraud following the conviction of a 41-year-old man at Luton Crown. David Thompson, 41, of no fixed abode, was sentenced to four and a half years at Luton Crown Court for his part in a scam to steal public money by presenting counterfeit giros at post offices.
Conviction warning for benefits fraudsters
The government have claimed a victory today in the fight against benefits fraud following the conviction of a 41-year-old man at Luton Crown. David Thompson, 41, of no fixed abode, was sentenced to four and a half years at Luton Crown Court for his part in a scam to steal public money by presenting counterfeit giros at post offices.
21 November 2007
Fraud Alert For 25m As Child Benefit Data Lost
The loss 'in the post' of computer discs with 25m people's personal details on them has led to a major fraud alert across the UK. The child benefit data on them includes names, ages, bank and address details. Questions are alreay being asked whether Alistair Darling "is up to the job" of chancellor.
Fraud Alert For 25m As Child Benefit Data Lost
The loss 'in the post' of computer discs with 25m people's personal details on them has led to a major fraud alert across the UK. The child benefit data on them includes names, ages, bank and address details. Questions are alreay being asked whether Alistair Darling "is up to the job" of chancellor.
07 March 2012
11 Year Low For Card Fraud
Money lost due to credit and debit card fraud has reached an 11-year low, falling to £341m last year, a drop of 7%. The drop has been attributed to a 41% fall in fraudsters impersonating people to obtain or use credit cards and a 24% drop in fraud committed by cloned credit cards.
11 Year Low For Card Fraud
Money lost due to credit and debit card fraud has reached an 11-year low, falling to £341m last year, a drop of 7%. The drop has been attributed to a 41% fall in fraudsters impersonating people to obtain or use credit cards and a 24% drop in fraud committed by cloned credit cards.
17 December 2013
Canoe Death Fake Arrested Over Breach Of Licence
A man jailed for faking his own death in an insurance fraud scheme has been arrested for breaching the terms of his releases. 63-year-old John Darwin was jailed for six years in 2008 after he was convicted of faking his own death in a canoe accident. In 2011, after serving half of his sentence, Darwin was released on licence.
Canoe Death Fake Arrested Over Breach Of Licence
A man jailed for faking his own death in an insurance fraud scheme has been arrested for breaching the terms of his releases. 63-year-old John Darwin was jailed for six years in 2008 after he was convicted of faking his own death in a canoe accident. In 2011, after serving half of his sentence, Darwin was released on licence.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
