Many of you will have noticed a new series of adverts highlighting the stark realities of benefit fraud.
The adverts are aimed at people who think stealing money from the taxpayer is acceptable. While people make all sorts of excuses to justify what they"re doing, there"s no getting away from the fact that stealing is a crime, which is why the campaign is called: No ifs, No buts - Targeting Benefit Thieves.
This campaign, which includes adverts on television and billboards as well as the posters that you will have seen appearing in Hastings Borough Council buildings, makes it clear we are taking serious steps to crack down on these thieves.
The spotlight will fall on people who deliberately claim ignorance of the rules and fail to tell Jobcentre Plus or their local authority about changes in their lives, for example, when they start earning money or living with a partner.
The advice is simple - if there is a change in your circumstances you must tell your local benefits office.
Staff from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) have been working closely with local authorities, who administer Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit, to help stamp out fraud. Initiatives, such as a series of roadshows, conferences and close liaison between DWP and council staff, have helped improve detection rates and reduce the amount lost through fraudulent claims. Last year, around 200,000 people rang the National Benefit Fraud Hotline on 0800 854440 to report suspected cheats. Of those, more than 12,000 were tip-offs relating to benefits administered by local councils.
Since 2001, the Government has cut fraud losses from around £2.1 billion to £800 million, saving £1.3 billion.
In part, that"s thanks to investigators having been given powers, such as the right to check bank accounts and household bills.
Government departments are also sharing information with agencies such as HM Revenue and Customs. Among other things, this helps to identify people who are registered for work but also claiming benefits.
Once someone committing benefit fraud is caught, it's likely they'll have to undergo a taped interview, under caution.
They will have to pay back the money stolen and could also face a fine or even jail. Ultimately, they will have a criminal record.
Fraud is a serious crime that takes money away from those who really need it. That's why we are taking a tough line on benefit thieves and tackling this crime on all fronts.
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This page last updated: 13/06/2007