Government Departments and Agencies Fraud and Error 2024-07-25
2024-07-25
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP asked about the recent estimate of the cost to the public purse due to fraud and error within government departments.
What recent estimate has been made of the cost to the public purse of fraud and error in Government departments and agencies?
Government estimates vary hugely, with a range between £40 billion and almost £60 billion. The Chancellor announced the establishment of a covid corruption commissioner to track down as much as possible of the money lost to fraud during the pandemic.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about an estimate was addressed, but no precise figure was provided.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP highlighted the estimated £7.6 billion cost of covid contract fraud, mentioning VIP lanes for dodgy contracts.
With the Chancellor announcing a new covid fraud commissioner this week, can the Minister outline how his Department will work with the Treasury to ensure that money lost through fraudulent practices is recovered?
My hon. Friend is right; we will do everything possible to recover funds, and my Department will work closely with the Treasury on this issue to ensure best value for the taxpayer.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about an outline was not provided in detail.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP emphasized the role of AI in tackling public sector fraud and highlighted outdated legacy systems.
How will the Minister implement new technologies, including artificial intelligence, to tackle fraud and error in government?
There is potential for greater AI use in detecting and rooting out fraud. We have a single network analytics platform as an AI-based detection tool, but we are at the beginning of what can be achieved.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about implementation details was not addressed in detail.
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP mentioned the £58.5 billion cost of non-covid error, fraud, and waste in 2020-21.
How will colossal sums of money lost to non-covid error, fraud, and waste be recovered? What measures will prevent cronyism and nepotism?
We cannot afford to be dismissive: we take it seriously, using every means possible to secure best value for money. The previous Government's record was described as 'woeful' with 'schoolboy errors'.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about recovery methods and prevention measures was not addressed in detail.
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP highlighted issues with overpayments and subsequent recovery from unpaid carers due to system failures.
What is being done to ensure that Government systems prevent overpayments and support carers affected by such errors?
We are hugely appreciative of the job carers do, balancing this with proper use of public funds. Overpayments need recovery but should be done compassionately.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about measures to stop overpayment issues was not addressed concretely.
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP asked about statistics for Northern Ireland on the costs of fraud and error to public funds.
Does the Minister hold specific breakdowns for Northern Ireland on costs of fraud and error, and what discussions will be had with devolved institutions?
I have not seen a specific breakdown but take relations with Northern Ireland extremely seriously. The Prime Minister visited to discuss these issues.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about details on any breakdowns and discussions was not provided in detail.
Response accuracy