Social Security Fraud

HC Deb 25 June 2001 vol 370 c35W

Mr. Gray

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the level was of social security fraud in 2000–01. [468]

Mr. Wicks

We are getting to grips with Social Security fraud, tightening up the system and making sure that from the very first claim, the right benefits are going to the right people.

Between 1998 and 2000 we have already made a 6.7 per cent. reduction in the level of fraud and error in Income Support and Jobseeker's Allowance. We have conducted further exercises to measure the level of fraud and error, the results of which will be published later this year.