§ Dr. IddonTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security for what reasons housing benefit claims are to be classed as fraudulent based on the balance of probabilities. [53275]
§ Mr. DenhamThis test has been the agreed basis for awarding additional subsidy payments since the anti-fraud incentive scheme was introduced in 1993. The criminal test would be unduly onerous for local authorities.
§ Dr. IddonTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will permit local authority housing benefit officers to assess the possibility of malicious allegations before referring housing benefit fraud allegations to fraud teams. [53268]
§ Mr. DenhamLocal authority housing officers are already free to do so.