HC Deb 06 March 2000 vol 345 cc508-9W
21. Mr. Brady

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when he last reviewed his target for the reduction of benefit fraud for the year 2000–01. [111852]

Mr. Rooker

As published in the Public Service Agreement, for the first time we have set a single outcome target to reduce fraud and error in the two major benefits by 30 per cent. by March 2007, with at least a 10 per cent. reduction by March 2002.

The latest results were published by the Government Statistical Service on 28 January 2000.

30. Mr. Blunt

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make a statement on the level of fraud within the social security system. [111862]

Mr. Rooker

We are determined to reduce the level of fraud and error in the Social Security system. We are now measuring the level of fraud and error, in Income Support and Jobseeker's Allowance, the two most vulnerable benefits, by thoroughly investigating a monthly random sample of cases in each Benefit Agency area. These measurements allow us, for the first time, to set targets for cutting fraud against which our progress can be judged.

32. Miss Kirkbride

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will report on progress in tackling housing benefit fraud. [111866]

Angela Eagle

I refer the hon. Member to my right hon. Friend's oral answer to the hon. Member for New Forest, East (Dr. Lewis) and the right hon. Member for Cities of London and Westminster (Mr. Brooke) today,Official Report, column 756.

Mr. Heald

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many people were employed in the Benefit Fraud Investigation Service on 1 March in(a) 1997, (b) 1998, (c) 1999 and (d) 2000. [112789]

Mr. Rooker

This is a matter for Peter Mathison, the Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member.

Letter from Peter Mathison to Mr. Oliver Heald, dated 3 March 2000: The Secretary of State has asked me to respond to your recent Parliamentary Question asking how many people were employed in the Benefit Fraud Investigation Service on 1st March in (a) 1997, (b) 1998, (c) 1999 and (d) 2000.[112789] The figures below represent the number of staff in post for the Benefit Fraud Investigation Service (BFIS) for each operational year since April 1996. Figures for specific dates are not available.

BFIS Total
1996–97 5,000
1997–98 5,184
1998–99 5,183
1999–2000 15,064
1 Figure correct as at October 1999, end of year figures not yet available
I hope this is helpful.