New campaign targets benefits overpayments
- 03 Jan
Those claiming benefits are being warned of the need to disclose changes in circumstances as part of a campaign that aims to cut the £1.6bn yearly cost of overpayments.
Claimants in six pilot areas have been warned that if they fail to disclose a new job or if they have moved in with a partner they could face fines of up to £2,000. The campaign will last three weeks and make use of multimedia such as adverts, posters, social media and letters.
Lord Freud, the welfare reform minister, has said the campaign aims to stop fraud and overpayment "before they even happen" reports the BBC.
He said: "It is only a small minority who commit fraud. We are keen to make sure that claimants know that even small overpayments can really add up over time, so they must get in contact with us and let us know about changes in circumstances straightaway."
Overpayments of benefits were at £1.6bn last year due to error by claimants which is higher than the year before.
The campaign will see posters asking benefit claimants to inform the DWP of changes to jobs or housing situations, and claimants will also receive written letters highlighting the importance of notifying changes.
The pilot locations are Southwark and Hounslow in London, Blackburn, Blackpool, Epping Forest and Cardiff.
From the results of the pilot scheme and the different methods used to promote the need to notify changes in circumstances will help decide on the form of a national anti-fraud campaign later in the year.
What do you think of this? Tweet us your comments @suppsolutions
Image source: http://www.morguefile.com/archive/display/200384
Related articles
- 28 Aug
Figures find thousands of benefit claimants died after found fit for work
Over 80 people a month have died shortly after being declared “fit to work” prompting campaigners to call for an overhaul of the government’s welfare system, reports the Guardian.Figures from...
- 24 Aug
Disability campaigners concerned over benefit shakeups
The Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith is set to announce new reforms to sickness benefits in the hope to get more people into work, reports the Guardian.It is expected the Mr Duncan Smith...
- 07 Aug
Single parents are being hit by benefit cuts
Government statistics detailing who has been affected by the policy have found that in May 2015 49% were single parents with children under the age of five, reports the Guardian.It is being said that...
- 30 Jul
Government to review helping benefit claimants back into work
Led by Professor Dame Carol Black, the inquiry will consider the case for linking people who are entitled to benefits with accepting appropriate treatment or support, reports 24dash.The review's...
- 23 Jul
Call for review of benefits delivery
The inquiry will look at the problems that could occur when benefits are underpaid or delayed, reports 24dash. The Committee invites written evidence on: Frank Field MP, chair of the committee,...
- 15 May
11,400 tenants could be affected by new benefits cut
Inside Housing have analysed data from the government's Stat-Xplore website and has found that 11,449 social housing tenants are set to be affected by the governments plans to remove housing benefit...
- 24 Mar
Deaths due to benefit sanctions should have independent investigations
A report into benefit sanctions by the Work and Pensions Committee has said that suicides linked to sanctions should be scrutinised in a similar manner to deaths in police custody, reports Inside...
- 11 Mar
Charity finds benefit sanctions regime to be flawed
A report conducted for Crisis by the Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research at Sheffield Hallam University found that benefit claimants were subject to a ‘postcode lottery' on whether or...
- 30 Oct
Cuts to employment and support allowance benefits
With these cuts it could see new claimants being given just 50p more per week than people who are on job seekers allowance, reports the BBC. The Department for Work and Pensions have said the ESA...
- 10 Oct
Proposed benefit rule labelled ‘worse than poor law'
The Social Security Advisory Committee is currently cons ulting on the proposals which George Osborne first announced in June 2013, reports Inside Housing.The seven day wait would occur on top of the...
Responding to the DWP Consultation: Housing Benefit Reform - Supported Housing "I thought this briefing was very good and very useful. The presentation was clear, well argued and I always find Michael gives me food for thought even if I don't agree with everything he says. I really like the way he facilitates a discussion in the room and I learn as much from other participants as I do from the presenter which is always good. Right length, right tone." R.P. - Richmond Fellowship
