Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 9
9
Accepted
We asked the Department when it expected to be able to set a target for...
Recommendation
We asked the Department when it expected to be able to set a target for reducing fraud and error. It referred to its letter to the Committee of May 2022 and reiterated it still did not believe that it was able to set a target because of the uncertainty in baseline levels of fraud and error in post-COVID.15 It added that it did not yet know when there would be sufficient clarity around the baseline to set a target. It further explained that while it agreed it needed to set a target, in the meantime it could work with the NAO on developing a reporting mechanism to demonstrate the effectiveness of its counter-fraud activities based on expected savings.16 The C&AG observed that there will always be a changing context around baseline levels of fraud and error, and that the Department should work on producing an agreed basis for reporting with commentary alongside to explain the context, rather than saying the context prevents it from reporting. The Department and this Committee agreed that this would be a positive step forward.17
Government Response Summary
The government agrees to set a target for reducing fraud and error and will work with the National Audit Office (NAO) to develop commentary.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
1.3 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: Summer 2023 1.4 The department agrees with the Committee’s recommendation, which has been given previously, to set a target and work with the National Audit Office (NAO) to develop commentary. The department has committed to the target implementation date and will keep the Committee up to date on the progress of this via the existing TM25 recommendation.