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WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE MINISTER FOR SOCIAL SECURITY BY DEPUTY T.M. PITMAN OF ST. HELIER
ANSWER TO BE TABLED ON TUESDAY 23rd MARCH 2010
Question
"Given that Social Security recently highlighted the fact that there had been just nine prosecutions for benefit fraud in 2009 would the Minister clarify the collective total amount of the de-frauded monies involved?"
Answer
Of the 9 cases of benefit fraud investigated and successfully prosecuted in 2009 the value of overpayment identified was £41,340.64.
The great majority of cases identified by the department are not referred to the Law Officers for possible prosecution. However, in all cases of customer error or fraud the department seeks to recover monies overpaid. This may be through deductions from ongoing benefit entitlement, a lump sum repayment or an instalment agreement tailored to individual financial circumstances. Should an individual default on payment, then Civil Court action is considered to secure the debt.
Following on from the success of investigations in 2009, the department is implementing a new fraud strategy during 2010 and increasing the manpower of its fraud team to include more Investigations Officers and introduce a more proactive approach towards combating fraud.