Written question asked by Diane Abbott (Labour) on Monday, 9 February 1998, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 23 February 1998. It was answered by John Denham (Labour) on Monday, 23 February 1998 on behalf of the Department of Social Security.

Dept of Social Security

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, How many people she estimates are fraudulently claiming disability living allowance.

Answer: Ms Abbott: To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many people she estimates are fraudulently claiming disability living allowance; and if she will make a statement. [29075] Mr. Denham: The methodology of the Benefit Reviews was agreed by the independent National Audit Office. We are not convinced that the current analysis of the Benefit Review results enables us to distinguish fully between wrongly made payments arising from fraud, incorrect claims, misunderstandings by benefit claimants on when to report changes of circumstances, or the weakness in the design of benefits. While the Benefit Integrity Project is broadly confirming the level of incorrectness in benefit payments identified by the DLA Benefit Review, I have asked for further work to be done on the methodology and analysis of all current reviews.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 29075; 307 c120W
Session: 1997-98
Subjects: Disability living allowance Abuse Fraud Social security Social security benefits