Written question asked by Claire Curtis-Thomas (Labour) on Thursday, 19 January 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 23 January 2006. It was answered by James Plaskitt (Labour) on Wednesday, 1 February 2006 on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.

Fraudulent Activities (Collaborative Projects)

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what collaborative projects his Department has undertaken with the Merseyside Police Authority to combat fraudulent activities; and if he will make a statement on the outcome of those projects.

Answer: Investigators from the Department for Work and Pensions have worked with officers from the Merseyside Police Authority for a number of years in cases where they have had a common interest and where the Department has required police assistance.An example of collaborative projects has included operation Bromsgrove, a multi-agency investigation into illegal workers some of whom were suspected of benefit fraud. The labour provider at the centre of the operation is currently facing prosecution. A number of people found to be illegally claiming benefits from the Department are currently being considered for benefit sanction.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 44965; 442 c597W;442 c597W
Session: 2005-06
Subjects: Crime prevention Department for Work and Pensions Fraud Social security benefits Merseyside Police Authority
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk