§ Lord Morris of Manchesterasked Her Majesty's Government:
How many people have now had their disability benefits reviewed under the Department of Social Security's Benefit Integrity Project; in how many cases there have been referrals for prosecution for fraud; how many convictions for fraud there have been; and what estimate they have made of the total sum involved in cases of alleged fraud. [HL3844]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Social Security (Baroness Hollis of Heigham)The administration of the Benefit Integrity Project is a matter for Peter Mathison, the Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the noble Lord.
Letter to Lord Morris of Manchester from the Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency, Mr. P. Mathison, dated 18 November 1998.
The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your recent parliamentary Question asking Her Majesty's Government how many people have now had their disability benefits reviewed under the Department of Social Security's Benefit Integrity Project (BIP); in how many cases there have been referrals for prosecution for fraud; how many convictions for fraud there have been; and what estimate they have made of the total sum involved in cases of alleged fraud.
The purpose of BIP is to identify and put right incorrect payments in Disability Living Allowance (DLA).
As at 30 September 1998, a total of 265,659 cases, including 42,892 renewal cases have been selected for action under BIP. At the same date a total of 137,871 cases have been examined. Of the total cases dealt with, 3,132 have resulted in an increase in benefit, 105,353 167WA have remained unchanged, 18,120 have resulted in a reduction in benefit and 11,266 have resulted in benefit being stopped.
The total included 29,548 renewal cases, of which 940 have resulted in an increase in benefit, 14,686 have remained unchanged, 8,415 have resulted in a reduction in benefit and 5,507 have resulted in benefit being stopped.
BA carry out investigations into cases of suspected fraud in DLA. One thousand, nine hundred and twenty-nine cases, including 75 cases generated by BIP, were referred up to 31 March 1998. None of the cases generated by BIP have been referred for prosecution.
The Benefit Integrity Project will be replaced by a new system which is fair as well as sensitive. The characteristics of the new system and when and how it will be introduced will be the subject of future discussions with the Disability Benefits Forum. Once the way forward is determined, estimates will be made of the likely costs and savings that may arise from the new system.
I hope you find this reply helpful.