New DWP fraud and error crackdown set to target millions of people on Universal Credit this year

dailyrecord.co.uk:

The UK Government recently set a new target to save at least £1.3billion in 2023-24 through its dedicated counter fraud and error resource.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) said this will be a significant increase on the £1.1billion savings achieved last year, cracking down further on those exploiting the benefits system and stealing from those who most need help.In a new video shared on social media, Neil Couling, CB CBE Director General responsible for tackling fraud, explained that the newly formed ‘Targeted Case Review team’ is now reviewing millions of Universal Credit claims for fraud and error.

At present, some 85 staff are checking claims, but by the end of the year “3,000 agents in more than 17 sites across Great Britain” will be checking claims as it ramps up reviews.Mr Couling said that existing claimants are being “asked and supported to provide evidence including bank statements, to identify any discrepancies”In the short video posted on the DWP’s official Twitter account, he said: “Our newly formed Targeted Case review team is reviewing millions of Universal Credit claims for fraud and error.“Eighty-five staff are based at Basildon doing fantastic work ensuring customers have accurately declared their circumstances.

That means customers are asked and supported to provide evidence including bank statements, to identify any discrepancies.”The video then shows a DWP agent explaining how they are “able to identify early, any error that might be on the claim, be able to correct it, supporting the claimant to make the necessary correction by reporting a change of circumstance where necessary as well as identifying potential fraud and alerting our Counter Fraud department about this”.The video ends with