§ Mr. WillettsTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will estimate the amount of Housing Benefit fraud in the United Kingdom for each year since 1992. [137128]
§ Angela Eagle[holding answer 14 November 2000]: Housing Benefit fraud was not measured routinely between 1992 and 1997. It is estimated, following a review carried out between September 1997 and March 1998, that confirmed fraud is £180 million but a further £430 million is suspected. We are working on introducing a consistent measure for fraud and error in Housing Benefit in all local authorities for April 2001.
§ Mr. PicklesTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what working estimate was used by his Department for benefit fraud, and what the actual figure of detected benefit fraud was, in each year since 1990; and if he will make a statement. [139336]
§ Mr. RookerPrevious estimates have shown that £2 billion a year has definitely been lost through fraud. A further £2 billion to £3 billion may have been lost in cases where fraud is strongly suspected.
No checks were made for benefit fraud before 1995.