Fraud: Criminal Investigation
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if she will make an assessment of the potential impact of her Department's policy not to initiate fraud investigations under £5,000 on public finances.
Answered by Andrew Western
The department is committed to using public money in an effective and efficient manner to pursue criminality where it is suspected. The value of the expected overpayment is one factor in considering whether to undertake a criminal investigation, but any case where there is a suspicion of fraud can be investigated. Aggravating factors, such as the use of false identification or previous offending, will initiate a criminal investigation regardless of the value.
Where any overpayment has been identified, the claimant is required to repay all debts accrued.
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