Benefits System Fraudulent Activity 2022-02-07
2022-02-07
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
Not specified, but the concern is about fraudulent claims affecting the integrity of welfare payments.
What steps she is taking to tackle fraudulent activity in the benefits system. I am concerned that fraud undermines the trust in our benefits system and affects those who abide by rules.
Fraud in the benefits system is an issue that we take extremely seriously. The Department is working on a proactive and comprehensive approach to ensure that those who commit fraud are tracked down and held accountable. That includes undertaking a targeted review of universal credit claims, investing in advanced analytics and expanding our serious and organised crime team.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer does not specify concrete steps or funding amounts for tackling fraudulent activity.
Response accuracy
Q2
Direct Answer
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Context
The question follows up on a previous concern about the integrity of welfare payments, focusing specifically on financial investment for anti-fraud measures.
What investment is the Department making to assist efforts to clamp down on those who seek to rip off the taxpayer? The vast majority of my constituents work hard and pay their taxes. They rightly expect the welfare state to be there to support them if they need it, but understandably they have little time for those who seek to exploit the system for their own ends.
I understand where my hon. Friend is coming from. In late 2021, the Department secured an additional £613 million that will enable a targeted review of universal credit claims and lead to even greater investment in advanced analytics and in our serious and organised crime team so that we can crack down on fraudsters and save the taxpayer billions of pounds.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy