§ 26. Mr. StevensonTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if she will make a statement on the Government's proposals to tackle organised landlord fraud. [23077]
§ Mr. FieldFraud and abuse will be rooted out in our drive to modernise the Social Security system and rebuild public confidence in it. We introduced regulations last November to give local authorities additional powers to fight landlord fraud and tighten up the rules on paying benefit direct to landlords. We are carrying out—in conjunction with local authorities—a fresh survey to provide accurate and up to date estimates of the extent of Housing Benefit fraud, including landlord fraud. The survey report is expected by the end of March. Those who commit fraud will be vigorously pursued.