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

Service Director - Finance

Isle of Wight Council
£95,212 to £102,389
We need a talented and experienced Service Director of Finance to join us and play a pivotal role Isle of Wight
Recuriter: Isle of Wight Council

Strategic Director of Finance and Deputy Chief Executive (Section 151)

Isle of Wight Council
£120,536 to £129,500
Strategic Director of Finance and Deputy Chief Executive (Section 151) Isle of Wight
Recuriter: Isle of Wight Council

Service Director - Education

Isle of Wight Council
£95,212 to £102,389
This is a great time to join our Children’s Services senior leadership team as a Service Director for Education where you’ll provide system leadership Isle of Wight
Recuriter: Isle of Wight Council

Class Teacher (Primary)

Durham County Council
£32,916- £51,048
Primary School Class Teacher M1-UPS3 (£32,916  - £52,149) Permanent, Full-time Contract to begin in September 2026.   The Governors of this happy and Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

SEND Inclusion Partner

Essex County Council
£44258.0000 - £52068.0000 per annum
SEND Inclusion PartnerPermanentPart Time, 22.2 hours per week£44,258 to £52,068 per annum FTE, £26,554.80 to £31,240.80 per annum (pro rata)Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council
Linkedin Banner