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

Executive Director of Place and Customer

Essex County Council
up to £179,404 per annum
Shape the Future of Essex. Drive climate action. Deliver for our communities. Essex
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Arts Officer Exhibitions – Maternity Cover

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
£37,602 - £45,564
Arts Officer (Exhibitions) – Maternit... Twickenham, Greater London
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

Traveller Site Officer

Oxfordshire County Council
46142 - 49282
About Us Oxfordshire County Council is seeking a Traveller Site Officer to join our small but brilliant, Gypsy and Traveller Service. We aim to deliver an outstanding service that is community focused, trusted, and inclusive, as well as promoting fairness Kidlington
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Financial Assessment Officer

Oxfordshire County Council
31537 - 34434
Work location
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Senior Voluntary Sector Grants and Project Officer

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
£43,545 - £52,767
Senior Voluntary Sector Grants and Proj... Wandsworth, London
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
Linkedin Banner