Politics · United Kingdom · 2 hrs ago
Healey plans 2,000 anti-fraud staff in Jobcentres to target benefit fraud
John Healey plans to put 2,000 anti-fraud experts in Jobcentres to help staff identify suspicious benefit claims early.
The plan is expected to be announced at the UK Budget and would focus on claims for Universal Credit, including cases involving people who have left the country but continue receiving payments.
The government aims to save £1.4 billion by tackling fraud, with new data checks intended to flag possible breaches of benefit rules.
The background is that welfare spending could rise by £5.5 billion in 2027, according to an analysis by the Institute for Fiscal Studies, which is up to £2.2 billion more than the Treasury budgeted for.
Many benefits rise each April in line with inflation, and September’s inflation rate was higher than the forecast used by the Office for Budget Responsibility.
The rising bill puts more pressure on public finances, while the government has said it wants to reduce welfare spending and Andy Burnham has opposed what he calls crude cuts.
Ministers are expected to publish reports on youth unemployment and disability benefits before proposing welfare reforms next year.
John Healey plans to place 2,000 anti-fraud staff in Jobcentres to identify suspicious Universal Credit claims.
The planned measure is intended to tackle benefit fraud and save taxpayers £1.4 billion.
Fraud officials are expected to work with Jobcentre work coaches to spot suspicious claims early.
The government is also expected to introduce tougher checks on claims made by people who have left the country.
The announcement is expected at the Budget.
- Who
- John Healey plans the measure, involving 2,000 anti-fraud staff and Jobcentre work coaches.
- What
- Anti-fraud staff are to be placed in Jobcentres to identify suspicious benefit claims. The plan aims to save £1.4 billion.
- When
- The announcement is expected at the Budget; its date is not stated.
- Where
- Jobcentres in the UK.
- Why
- To detect benefit fraud, protect public money and save taxpayers £1.4 billion.
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- Planned staff
- 2,000 anti-fraud experts
- Location
- Jobcentres
- Target saving
- £1.4 billion
- Expected announcement
- Budget
- Benefit singled out
- Universal Credit
What people are saying
We need to make the most of every pound of taxpayers' money and cut fraud to ensure the welfare system is fair and sustainable.
At the Budget, we're rooting out those who abuse the welfare system, while protecting those who need it most.
Higher inflation means higher benefit bills, piling more pressure on the public finances while families and businesses are already struggling with rising costs.
crude