Thumbs up for DWP fraud work

9 Sep 04
Councils have made widespread use of measures introduced by the Department for Work and Pensions to simplify housing benefit and improve anti-fraud measures.

10 September 2004

Councils have made widespread use of measures introduced by the Department for Work and Pensions to simplify housing benefit and improve anti-fraud measures.

The Omnibus survey of housing benefit managers, published on September 3, shows that three out of four councils have had contact with the Benefit Fraud Inspectorate – a DWP agency set up in 1997 – since 2002 and rated it 'useful' or 'professional'.

The survey also shows that four out of every five authorities are 'on board' with the 'Security against fraud and error' scheme, which provides funding to tackle fraud.

Authorities have also used tools that allow them to compare their performance against their peers.

Housing benefit minister Chris Pond said: 'The survey shows councils support our initiatives and there is a joint commitment to provide more efficient services.'

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