How much is benefit fraud costing?

Estimates show that around £600m of Housing Benefit has been lost to fraud and error. Every year Councils and their partner organisations are doing more and more to reduce the amount lost.

And that is just Housing Benefit - The total loss to Welfare Benefit Fraud (including other welfare benefits like income support) is estimated to be around £1 billion pounds, or:

• 12,500 Doctors
• 28,000 Teachers
• 25,000 Police Officers

The Consequences for Benefit Cheats

Wherever possible when we catch a fraudster we will take them to court, which may result in:

• Named and shamed in local or even the national press
• Criminal record
• Fine
• Compensation order
• Assets seized
• Community service
• Custodial sentence

In addition we may impose the following sanctions:

Prosecution
In the courts, which could lead to a criminal conviction, fine or prison.

Administrative Penalty
30% financial penalty plus repayment of the amount fraudulently obtained.

Formal Caution
Similar to a police caution.