The Communities Minister has launched a new drive to tackle fraud and error in the benefits system in Northern Ireland.
Minister Lyons commissioned a specialist working group within his department to examine the issue. This group has made a number of recommendations designed to enhance prevention of fraud and take swift action when it occurs.
The Minister said that in line with the recommendations of the report, his department will enhance and expand current fraud and error activities, and strengthen the specialist training and support for staff to double-down on fraud and error, including mistakes made by officials.
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Additionally, they will maximise technology solutions in conjunction with DWP and other departments, at Westminster and locally, to aid investigative efforts.
There are also plans to increase the public’s understanding of benefit fraud, through a focused advertising campaign via radio, digital, and print.
Speaking in the Assembly today, Minister Lyons said: “Fraud is not a victimless crime. As I’ve said before, when individuals cheat the system they are taking support from those who need it most – family, friends, neighbours and their fellow citizens.
“At this time of significant budget constraint, we must be united in ensuring that public money is directed to our key services – to help families in financial distress, to the homeless, to those who are sick and to educate our young people. Not to criminals.”
The latest measures come after the Minister reintroduced the practice of naming those who have been convicted of benefit fraud.
Minister Lyons said: “I have taken away a shield of anonymity from those who steal from all of us and the response from the public to shining a light on these stories has been overwhelmingly positive.”
A new campaign has been launched to educate the public about benefit fraud(Image: Department for Communities)
Speaking about the new measures, the minister warned that some measures are subject to funding bids and said they cannot proceed without the necessary financial support.
He said: “Every delay in resourcing this work leaves our system exposed to fraud, undermines public confidence and risks diverting vital support away from those who need it most.”
Minister Lyons also welcomed the government’s commitment to consider HM Treasury sharing back savings from tackling benefit fraud and error with the Executive.
The Minister said: “I will seek Executive support for the initial investment and to reinvest the share of savings generated in programmes that support people with barriers to employment, particularly those with disabilities or health conditions.
“This is a key priority for me, as it aligns with Programme for Government goals to reduce economic inactivity, tackle poverty and social exclusion, and support inclusive economic growth across Northern Ireland.”
Minister Lyons concluded: “I thank the Task and Finish Group for its diligence and insight, and I assure Members that the recommendations will be implemented, funding permitting, with urgency and resolve.
“Let us reaffirm our shared commitment to ensure that the right money reaches the right people at the right time, and that those who seek to exploit the benefit system are met with firm and fair consequences.”
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