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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.
17 December 2004
Benefits fraud cut by over one billion pounds
Benefits fraud has been slashed by half, saving over £1 billion according to Government statistics published today. The Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) reported exceeding a target to cut fraud and error in the main benefits by one third by March 2004.
Benefits fraud cut by over one billion pounds
Benefits fraud has been slashed by half, saving over £1 billion according to Government statistics published today. The Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) reported exceeding a target to cut fraud and error in the main benefits by one third by March 2004.
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.
10 November 2003
Christmas campaign to target benefit cheats
A new government campaign is set to warn benefits cheats who are engaged in cash-in-hand work that they can expect to feel the full weight of the law if they are caught. The Targeting Benefit Fraud campaign is being stepped up as Christmas gets closer and some people become tempted to work illegally whilst claiming benefits.
Christmas campaign to target benefit cheats
A new government campaign is set to warn benefits cheats who are engaged in cash-in-hand work that they can expect to feel the full weight of the law if they are caught. The Targeting Benefit Fraud campaign is being stepped up as Christmas gets closer and some people become tempted to work illegally whilst claiming benefits.
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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.
