New Unit To Crack Down
On Benefit Cheats
From the Press Association
Monday January 24, 2000 11:47 am
A new national intelligence unit to help
crack down on benefit fraud has been
announced by Social Security Secretary
Alistair Darling.
The new unit will co-ordinate intelligence
on a countrywide basis to combat the
organised gangs ministers believe are
becoming increasingly sophisticated in
cheating the taxpayer.
"Organised criminal gangs are becoming
increasingly sophisticated in their
methods and it is vital that we remain one
step ahead of them," said Mr Darling.
"The new National Benefits Intelligence
Unit will draw on the expertise of our top
fraud investigators, as well as intelligence
from other agencies, including the police,
local authorities, the immigration service
and others."
Mr Darling visited Benefits Agency fraud
investigators in Manchester and Liverpool
to hammer home his message.
A DSS spokesman said no decisions had
yet been taken on staffing levels or the
location of the new unit.
Mr Darling stressed: "Our greatest ally in
the battle against welfare cheats is the
public.
"Valuable intelligence is already provided
by thousands of people through the fraud
hotline. From this Spring we will be
starting a major fraud publicity campaign
to help shift public attitudes."
The campaign, starting in the North West
on TV and in newspapers, will emphasise
that every pound stolen from the system
is a pound that could be spent on
schools, hospitals or other public
services.
Ministers already have a target of saving
£1 billion in Income Support by
strengthening checks on those claiming
it.
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