Housing Benefit Fraud

HC Deb 20 February 1996 vol 272 c124W

22. Mr. Amess

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what measures he is taking to tackle housing benefit fraud. [14373]

Mr. Heald

Later this year, I will introduce a central computer record to cross-check claims. I have earmarked £8 million for challenge funding to encourage innovation in fighting fraud, and in April I will strengthen the financial incentives for local authorities to pursue fraud. I have work in hand on a strategy to stop fraud getting into the system. We are already working with the Audit Commission on better checking of housing benefit applications.