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
Recommendations
8
Rejected
Challenges in controlling Universal Credit fraud relating to household composition persist
Recommendation
We asked the Department about its controls to prevent fraud and error, particularly in relation to Universal Credit. It said that, because it was monitoring controls, it was able to identify where there were possible weaknesses and make continuous improvements. …
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Government Response Summary
The government disagrees with setting a more stretching ambition for reducing overpayment rate until it agrees with the NAO on what constitutes a cost-effective control environment, but aims to reduce fraud and error levels to 2.8% by 2028-29.
HM Treasury
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9
Rejected
Cost-effective controls vital for DWP to achieve unqualified audit opinion
Recommendation
Demonstrating that it has a cost-effective control environment could help the Department move towards an unqualified audit opinion on its accounts.16 We made clear our desire to be involved in conversations with the Department and the C&AG about how the …
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Government Response Summary
The government disagrees with setting a more stretching ambition for reducing overpayment rate until it agrees with the NAO on what constitutes a cost-effective control environment, but aims to reduce fraud and error levels to 2.8% by 2028-29.
HM Treasury
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Conclusions (1)
26
Conclusion
Rejected
We also asked the Department how it communicates with members of the public who raise concerns about potential cases of fraud, in particular what it tells them about how the cases have been resolved. The Department acknowledged the importance of ensuring that people feel raising a concern is worthwhile, and …
Government Response Summary
The government disagrees with the Committee’s recommendation as there is generally no lawful basis to disclose investigation progress or results to third parties due to the Data Protection Act 2018 and the General Data Protection Regulation, however the department continues to review and publicise its counter fraud activities.