§ 37. Dr. StarkeyTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans she has for tackling organised fraud by landlords. [34080]
§ Mr. FieldWe introduced new regulations in November 1997 to give local authorities additional powers to fight landlord fraud and tighten up the rules on paying benefit direct to landlords. We are developing a 63W counter-fraud strategy which focuses on prevention— identifying where fraud is most likely to happen and focusing resources where they will be most effective. Those who commit fraud—including organised fraudsters and dishonest landlords—will be vigorously pursued.