Communities Minister has launched a new drive to
tackle fraud and error in the benefits system.
Speaking in the Assembly today, Minister Lyons said: “Fraud is
not a victimless crime. As I've said before, when
individuals cheat the system they are taking support from those
who need it most – family, friends, neighbours and their fellow
citizens.
“At this time of significant budget constraint, we must be united
in ensuring that public money is directed to our key services –
to help families in financial distress, to the homeless, to those
who are sick and to educate our young people. Not to criminals.”
The latest measures come after the Minister reintroduced the
practice of naming those who have been convicted of benefit
fraud.
Minister Lyons said: “I have taken away a shield of anonymity
from those who steal from all of us and the response from the
public to shining a light on these stories has been
overwhelmingly positive.”
The Minister commissioned a specialist working group within his
Department to examine the issue. This group has made a
number of recommendations designed to enhance prevention of fraud
and take swift action when it occurs.
The Minister said that in line with the recommendations of the
Report, his Department will:
- Enhance and expand current fraud and error activities.
- Strengthen the specialist training and support for staff to
double-down on fraud and error, including mistakes made by
officials.
- Maximise technology solutions in conjunction with DWP and
other Departments, at Westminster and locally, to aid
investigative efforts.
- Increase the public's understanding of benefit fraud and to
share in our zero-tolerance approach.
Minister Lyons warned that some measures are subject to funding
bids and said they cannot proceed without the necessary financial
support.
He said: “Every delay in resourcing this work leaves our
system exposed to fraud, undermines public confidence and risks
diverting vital support away from those who need it
most.”
Minister Lyons also welcomed the government's commitment to
consider HM Treasury sharing back savings from tackling benefit
fraud and error with the Executive.
The Minister said: “I will seek Executive support for the initial
investment and to reinvest the share of savings generated in
programmes that support people with barriers to employment,
particularly those with disabilities or health conditions.
“This is a key priority for me, as it aligns with Programme for
Government goals to reduce economic inactivity, tackle poverty
and social exclusion, and support inclusive economic growth
across Northern Ireland.”
Minister Lyons concluded: “I thank the Task and Finish Group for
its diligence and insight, and I assure Members that the
recommendations will be implemented, funding permitting, with
urgency and resolve.
“Let us reaffirm our shared commitment to ensure that the right
money reaches the right people at the right time, and that those
who seek to exploit the benefit system are met with firm and fair
consequences.”
Notes to editors:
- The Minister's full statement to the Assembly is available
at: https://www.communities-ni.gov.uk/news/oral-ministerial-statement-gordon-lyons-mla-minister-communities
- There will be a focused advertising campaign via radio,
digital and print.
