§ Mr. Nigel EvansTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what action is being undertaken to deal with social security fraud in England.
§ Miss WiddecombeThe Government are determined to crack down on fraud and abuse of the benefits system. All staff are encouraged to be aware of possible fraudulent claims to benefit and of the need to safeguard public funds. Allegations of attempted fraud which appear to be well founded are investigated, and further action, including possible legal proceedings, is taken as considered appropriate.
We are building on the excellent performance of recent years when savings made by fraud investigators in the Benefits Agency throughout Great Britain have risen strongly. In 1990–91 they saved £341 million, last year the figure rose to £427 million, and in 1992–93 the final savings are expected to top £500 million.
In his statement to the House on 12 November, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State announced that a further £10 million would be invested to help step up the fight. He also announced plans to encourage local authorities to prevent housing benefit and council tax benefit fraud. The combined efforts of the Benefits Agency and the local authorities are expected to save nearly £1 billion in each of the next three financial years.