Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many suspected benefit fraud reports from the public have been (a) received and (b) led to action by her Department in each of the last five years.

DWP takes its responsibility to detect, prevent and recover benefit fraud very seriously. As the money paid in benefits is taxpayer’s money it is right that we ensure it is paid correctly, and recover any money that is paid incorrectly.

All reported allegations of benefit fraud are recorded and appropriate action taken.

In 2013 the total referrals received from all sources equated to 864,200. In the same year, there were 614,350 positive outcomes. A positive outcome is everything that is achieved apart from a no result outcome. This can include prosecution, Administrative Penalty, benefit correction and / or overpayment calculation.

In 2014, DWP received a total of 823,450 referrals. There were 627,300 positive outcomes.

In 2015, DWP received a total of 779,050 referrals. There were 589,900 positive outcomes.

In 2016, DWP received a total of 752,400 referrals. There were 602,550 positive outcomes.

In 2017, DWP received a total of 825,000 referrals. There were 600,150 positive outcomes.