Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
66th Report - Tackling fraud and error in benefit expenditure 2024-25
Public Accounts Committee
HC 1231
Published 11 February 2026
Conclusions (4)
1
Conclusion
Not Addressed
On the basis of two reports by the Comptroller and Auditor General (the C&AG), we took evidence from the Department for Work and Pensions (the Department) on tackling fraud and error in benefit expenditure.1
Government Response Summary
The government's response rejects an unspecified recommendation related to fraud and error reduction targets and cost-effective control environments, stating it cannot accept it until a position is agreed with the NAO, and highlights ongoing efforts and achievements in reducing fraud and error. The response does not address the actual conclusion.
16
Conclusion
Not Addressed
In many instances, Parliament has targeted benefits to claimants’ needs and circumstances, with the aim of ensuring that resources are used efficiently. However, this can introduce complexity and increase the risk of fraud and error.29
Government Response Summary
The government restates the committee's conclusion without providing a response.
19
Conclusion
Not Addressed
The Department’s modern digital systems for Universal Credit have made it easier to implement fraud and error prevention measures for this benefit.33 We asked the Department what it was doing to improve the digital platforms for other benefits, so it could introduce similar initiatives in other areas. The Department noted …
Government Response Summary
The government response is a restatement of the committee's conclusion.
28
Conclusion
Not Addressed
The Independent Review of Carer’s Allowance Overpayments, published in November 2025, found that the prevalence of overpayments related to earnings had been caused not by widespread individual error by carers in reporting their earnings, but by systemic issues preventing them from fulfilling their responsibility to report. This included the Department’s …
Government Response Summary
The government restates the committee's conclusion without providing a response.