Reader TTS

DWP SAID £330 MILLION WAS LOST TO FRAUD AND ERROR WITHIN THE PIP SYSTEM LAST YEAR. 04:30, 05 Jun 2025Updated 09:41, 05 Jun 2025 Watch in full: Liz Kendall announces welfare reforms The

Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) recently confirmed it is “committed” to tackling fraud and error within the benefits system, including recovering debts generated by Personal

Independent Payments (PIP). Conservative MP Sir John Hayes asked DWP what steps it is taking to “tackle people fraudulently claiming PIP”. In a written response, DWP Minister Andrew Western,

explained new measures being introduced to “prevent fraud entering the system based on the types of cases and trends we have seen”. This includes “introducing more rigorous checks for

customers changing personal details, including bank accounts”. Mr Western said: “DWP is committed to tackling fraud and error in the benefits system and to the recovery of debts, including

those generated by Personal Independent Payments. Working closely with counter fraud experts, the DWP has introduced measures to prevent fraud entering the system based on the types of cases

and trends we have seen.” READ MORE: New DWP fraud and error report finds people on PIP may be due more moneyREAD MORE: DWP confirms how long it will take to assess all PIP claims under new

reforms NEW DWP MEASURES TO TACKLE BENEFIT FRAUD THESE INCLUDE: * Strengthening the Identity and Verification Process to prevent fraudulent cases entering the system * Introducing more

rigorous checks for customers changing personal details, including bank accounts * Delivering awareness sessions for Case Managers and Healthcare Professionals, reinforcing action to take

when suspicious cases are identified - for example, fake documents The Minister continued: “DWP is delivering against key counter fraud activity, including investing in counter fraud

professionals and building data analytical capabilities. The new Fraud, Error and Debt Bill will bring forward new measures to tackle fraud in the system. Article continues below “Details on

the measures the Government will be legislating will be presented to Parliament in due course.” The DWP pays benefits to nearly 24 million people across Great Britain, including 3.7m on

PIP. The latest DWP report shows £330m was lost to fraud and error in the PIP system last year, up from £90m in 2023/24. Fraud and error in the welfare system cost the taxpayer £9.5bn in

overpayments last year, compared to £9.7bn in 2023/24. FRAUD This guidance on GOV.UK explains that this relates to claims where all three of the following conditions apply: * the conditions

for receipt of benefit, or the rate of benefit in payment, are not met * the claimant can reasonably be expected to be aware of the effect on their entitlement * benefit payment stops or

reduces as a result of a review of the claim. CLAIMANT ERROR These are overpayments where claimants have provided inaccurate or incomplete information, or failed to report a change in their

circumstances which has led to an overpayment, but there is no evidence of fraudulent intent on the claimant’s part. OFFICIAL ERROR This is where benefits have been paid incorrectly due to a

failure to act, a delay or a mistaken assessment by the Department, a local authority or His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs, to which no one outside of that department has materially

contributed, regardless of whether the business unit has processed the information. Last year, Mr Western clarified that the proposed Fraud, Error and Debt Bill “will not give DWP access to

any bank accounts, nor any information on how claimants spend their money”adding that banks and financial institutions will share “limited information” with the Department to “help verify

benefit eligibility by flagging possible conflicts with eligibility rules”. The DWP Minister said: “As set out by the National Audit Office, access to data is key to prevention and detection

of incorrect payments. The Eligibility Verification Measure (EVM) in the proposed Fraud, Error and Debt Bill will not give DWP access to any bank accounts, nor any information on how

claimants spend their money. “It will require banks and financial institutions to share limited information with the DWP to help verify benefit eligibility by flagging possible conflicts

with eligibility rules - for example the £16,000 capital limit in Universal Credit. The information gathered will help DWP identify incorrect payments, prevent debts from accruing for the

claimant and help identify where there may be fraudulent activity.” He added: “The legislation will set out key safeguards, including reporting mechanisms and independent oversight. No

benefit entitlement decision will be made solely because of the data obtained under EVM and a final decision on benefit entitlement will always involve a human agent. “If a claimant wishes

to challenge or appeal a benefit decision, they can do so following DWP's appeals processes.” Article continues below GET THE LATEST RECORD MONEY NEWS Join the conversation on our Money

Saving Scotland Facebook group for money-saving tips, the latest State Pension and benefits news, energy bill advice and cost of living updates. Sign up to our Record Money newsletter and

get the top stories sent to your inbox daily from Monday to Friday with a special cost of living edition every Thursday - sign up here. You can also follow us on X (formerly Twitter)

@Recordmoney_ for regular updates throughout the day or get money news alerts on your phone by joining our Daily Record Money WhatsApp community.