Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 19
19
We asked about DWP’s progress in developing a target for fraud and error.
Conclusion
We asked about DWP’s progress in developing a target for fraud and error. We have previously recommended that DWP analyse the extent to which fraud and error in the system was temporary because of the pandemic and what was due to longer term structural issues.49 DWP explained that COVID-19 has changed the traditional mix of cases within the benefits system as there are now an increased proportion of claimants who are self- employed or who have capital. DWP’s expectation is that this has changed the risk of fraud and error in the system, and as a result DWP could not tell us when it will set a target for reducing fraud. DWP explained that it wanted to wait to update baseline data before it committed a target to ensure it is meaningful but reaffirmed its commitment to providing us with this information in due course.50
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
3d: PAC recommendation: DWP should write to the Committee with its targets for reducing fraud and error. 3.15 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. 10 Target implementation date: December 2021 3.16 As set out in the Department for Work and Pensions’ (DWP’s) Annual Report published on 15 July 2021, the department is developing options for setting an overall fraud and error target and will consider how this target can be measured against the most robust and current data available. The department will write to the Committee by December 2021.