MILLIONS OWED TO THE GOVERNMENT DUE TO 'OVERPAYMENT' ERRORS TO TENANTS
- 28 Mar
New figures reveal that the government is owed almost £2 billion due to 'overpayment' errors to tenants.
The Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) complained about wasting money that belongs to taxpayers, yesterday.
The following official figures were released:
- Following a £240 million rise in the past year, the total amount of housing benefit "overpayment" is presently £1.94 billion
- In 2008-2009, the total amount was around £750 million
- In London, the average outstanding debt is £243 per claimant, £72 in Wales, £91 in the North-East and £105 in Scotland
According to the Sun, chief exec at the Taxpayers Alliance, John O'Connell, said:
"The welfare system remains so complicated that even officials at DWP are struggling to get their sums right.
"The Department has to improve because when we're trying to make billions of pounds worth of savings, avoidable errors are wasting huge amounts of taxpayers' money."
Lib Dem, Chief Tim Farron also said:
"...Those who have been overpaid, through no fault of their own, may then find themselves with an unexpected bill. For low-income families, this can be disastrous."
What do you think?
Please tweet comments @suppsolutions.
For more details, visit the Sun.
Related articles
- 11 Aug
RESIDENTS OF BUILDINGS IN LEDBURY ESTATE, SOUTHWARK, SOUTH LONDON WILL BE MOVED OUT TEMPORARILY
The buildings in Ledbury Estate in Southwark have been constructed in a similar way to Ronan Point, a tower block in Newham which collapsed in 1968 as a result of a gas explosion, killing three. An...
- 10 Aug
THERE IS A DECLINE IN THE HOUSING MARKET IN LONDON AND OTHER PARTS OF THE SOUTH EAST OF ENGLAND
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (Rics) made the following findings:Chief Economist at Rics, Simon Rubinsohn:"Sales activity in the housing market has been slipping in the recent month...
Responding to the DWP Consultation: Housing Benefit Reform - Supported Housing "Found the seminar very informative and gave an interesting and full insight into current thinking about the consultation. Michael was a very engaging and knowledgeable presenter and encouraged interaction with the audience which led to further relevant points being shared with the room. I shall certinaly look out for future events!" M.E. - Care Housing Association