§ Mr. AllenTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what are the total number of cases of social security fraud detected in each of the last three years; and how many of these have resulted in prosecutions.
§ Miss WiddecombeThe investigation of social security fraud is a matter for Mr. Michael Bichard, the chief executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member with such information as is available and a copy will be placed in the Library.
Letter from M. Bichard to Mr. Graham Allen, dated 10 November 1992:
As Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency, it is my responsibility to answer questions about relevant operational matters. I am therefore replying to the points raised in your recent Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Social Security asking for the total number of cases of social security fraud detected in each of the last three years; and how many of these have resulted in prosecutions.The number of cases which have resulted in a weekly benefit saving and those that have resulted in prosecutions for the years 1989–90, 1990–91 and 1991–92, are given below. I should explain that a weekly benefit saving is where benefit is reduced or terminated as a result of the work of fraud staff.
Weekly benefit saving cases Prosecution cases 1989–90 159,372 8,671 1990–91 158,178 7,911 1991–92 181,870 4,379 I hope you find this reply helpful. A copy of this reply will appear in the Official Report. Copies of this letter are being placed in the Library.