Austin Macauley 06 November 2015

DWP reports £350m fall in benefit overpayments

Latest figures show benefit overpayments as a result of fraud and error have fallen by £350m over the last year.

The Department for Work and Pensions DWP) and local authorities recovered a record £930m last year, an increase of 9% over the previous year.

Data from the DWP shows there is currently £1.3bn of benefit fraud, claimant error account for £1.1bn and official errors total £700m.

Benefit fraud and error fell to 1.8% of overall welfare spending in 2014/15, compared to 2.1% in 2010/11.

Work and pensions secretary, Iain Duncan Smith, said: ‘Benefit fraud is a serious crime and is taking money away from those in genuine need. That is why our investigators are vigilant in targeting criminals and bringing them to justice.

‘Our vital reforms are fixing the welfare system and figures show fraud and error in the benefits system has fallen to a record low.

'We are also continuing to recover more money than ever before, and Universal Credit will further reduce fraud and error.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Deputy Headteacher

Durham County Council
£66,368 - £73,105
Permanent Contract - Full Time - N.O.R. 341 Required for April 2027 or earlier (if possible)   Due to the promotion of the current post holder, an exc Seaham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Bereavement Officer

Durham County Council
Grade 8 £33,673 - £37,563 pro rata
Are you a compassionate, organised and customer-focused professional with the ability to support families and communities during some of life's most d Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Shared Planning Lawyer

Broxbourne Borough Council
Up to £68,506 pa
Are you a focused, enthusiastic team player who enjoys a varied and interesting caseload? Borough Offices, Bishops’ College, Churchgate, Cheshunt
Recuriter: Broxbourne Borough Council

Families First Partnership Manager

Nottingham City Council
£58,602 - £62,109
As Families First Partnership Manager, you will play a pivotal role in leading Nottingham’s Families First approach Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
Recuriter: Nottingham City Council

Experts at Hand Co-ordinator

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
£42,081 - £50,994 per annum
Experts at Hand Co-ordinator
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
Linkedin Banner