30/10/2006

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.

The campaign will use advertising material including television ads, billboard posters and beer mats, as well as posters in pub toilets, bingo halls and betting shops in cities across Britain.

Secretary of State for Work and Pensions John Hutton said: "Benefit fraud is theft and we are committed to catching benefit thieves and bringing the toughest penalties against those who commit this crime - no ifs, no buts.

"The public are fed up with benefit thieves stealing money intended for society's most vulnerable. There are no excuses for taking money that isn't yours."

Last year, benefit thieves received over 52,000 prosecutions, sanctions and cautions for a range of fraud offences.

The Fraud Act 2001 gave investigators new powers, such as the right to check bank accounts and household bills, to come down hard on people who cheat the system.

The campaign will run until the end of January next year.

(KMcA)


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