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Dept of Social Security;Social Security Benefits Agency

Answer

Mr. Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) for each quarter since BASIS was formed how many fraud cases compiled by BASIS's National Intelligence Unit (a) were forwarded to the police investigation and (b) resulted in a prosecution; [107444] (2) what were the responsibilities and achievements of BASIS's Business Development Team for each of the last five years. [107445] Mr. Rooker: This is a matter for Peter Mathison, the Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to my right hon. Friend. Letter from Peter Mathison to Mr. Frank Field, dated 28 January 2000: The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Questions asking for each quarter since BASIS was formed how many fraud cases compiled by BASIS's National Intelligence Unit (a) were forwarded to the police investigation and (b) resulted in a prosecution, and what were the responsibilities and achievements of BASIS's Business Development Team for each of the last five years. The Benefit Agency Security Investigation Service (BASIS) exists to counter the threat of organised and serious fraudulent attacks on the benefit system. The team's priority is to prevent and deter fraud. It is part of the Security Branch whose role is to promote the development and provision of secure and accurate services in the Benefits Agency. The National Intelligence Unit (NIU) provides intelligence for BASIS in the Security Branch and links with other risk management teams. It does not refer investigations to the Police because all intelligence and information is referred to either BASIS Operational Teams or relevant BA sections. The NIU exists to support the Benefits Agency through; gathering and analysing information; referring the gathered intelligence to the appropriate BASIS investigation team, via the Analyst Unit; it also acts as a multi agency link to other Government Departments. BASIS does not refer cases of benefit fraud to the police for investigation. If during an investigation the need to involve the police arises the team will contact them and appraise them of the situation. At this point a joint operation may be conducted. BASIS officers would concentrate on benefit fraud whilst the police may look at other linked criminal activity. There are no figures kept for prosecutions resulting from joint operations. However, in 1998-1999 BASIS prosecuted 666 cases of benefit fraud with a 96% successful conviction rate. The BASIS Business Development Team (BDT) was established in March 1999 with the appointment of a Business Development Manager. The BDT is a small team which exists to support BASIS in improving its business processes and to support the team in meeting the objectives of the Agency and Department. The most notable achievements of the BDT in the eleven months of its existence are improvements in processes such as expenditure and performance accountability, internal security assurance, communication, management checks, industrial relations, training & development, planning and reporting. Work on BASIS terms and conditions and a review of the Guidance Manual has improved clarity around individual entitlement. The current recruitment drive has brought in 50 new staff to date. The IT strategy for this year is on course to upgrade our capability throughout the Section and other equipment is being standardised and renewed. Moreover, the work of the BDT has allowed the Operational and BASIS National Intelligence Unit managers to apply a greater focus on the core business of investigation, detection, deterrence and prevention of organised and serious fraud against the benefits system. I hope this is helpful.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

343 c469-70W;343 c470-1W; 107444;107445

Session

1999-00

Subjects

Abuse Fraud Police Prosecutions Social security benefits Benefits Agency Security Investigation Service