§ Mr. CousinsTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what recent special investigations have been undertaken by multi-agency investigation teams into housing benefit and fraud in the west end of Newcastle; and how many charges have been brought. [16148]
§ Mr. HealdJoint operations to tackle housing benefit fraud are undertaken from time to time by the local authority with the help of the police, the Benefits Agency and other bodies. A recent operation in the west end of Newcastle involving those organisations has resulted in 18 charges being brought. It would not be appropriate to comment in greater detail on operational matters in order to avoid compromising any future operations.
Weekly benefit savings of £½ million have been achieved.