§ Maria EagleTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when he will publish the Annual Report of the Benefit Fraud Inspectorate. [93101]
575W
§ Mr. TimmsI have today published the second Benefit Fraud Inspectorate Annual Report.
We published our strategy in March 1999 for tackling fraud and improving security within the DSS and local authorities. We are determined to make sure we get it right from the start. That means delivering an improved secure system including the use of robust checks and safeguards. The BFI is a significant part of our strategy. Their role is to publish reports which support the strategy by helping to raise standards of administration and by contributing to the continuing development of the new strategy.
In this first full year of operation, considerable progress has been made. So far, the BFI has published 23 local authority reports, BA, CSA and CA reports, with a further 46 inspections either ongoing or due to be started by November 1999.
Working in partnership with those they inspect is leading to improvements in benefit administration and counter fraud work standards. The report includes case studies demonstrating the BFI impact on local authorities, such as the introduction of prosecution and security strategies, improved recovery of benefit overpayments and better liaison and exchange of information between BA and local authorities.
Copies of the published BFI Annual Report are available in the Library. Further copies are available on request.