§ David TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what measures he is taking to prevent fraudulent claims of incapacity benefit. [73079]
§ Mr. Nicholas BrownWe are continuing to work hard to prevent fraud and error before it happens, to detect it when it does occur and to change public attitudes by showing that fraud is not a victimless crime. We are also taking further steps to tackle those who commit fraud, through new powers available under the Fraud Act.
Our last review of incapacity benefits in 2000 estimated that fraud accounted for less than 1 per cent. of benefit spend.