Dundee LibDems say Labour 'total failure' on benefit fraud

8.32.00pm GMT Mon 13th Nov 2006

Claire Matthew says Labour 'total failure' on benefit fraud

News that the Labour Government has paid out £2.7bn in fraudulent and incorrect claims to benefit claimants in the last financial year has resulted in Dundee LibDems today (Monday 13th November) calling the Labour Government "a total failure" in tackling benefit fraud.

Last week, the National Audit Office revealed that some four million people - most of whom cannot be traced - have received the extra cash, and most of it will be irrecoverable.

Liberal Democrat Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary, David Laws MP said, "These new figures on benefits fraud and error are horrific and show that yet again, the Government has failed again to bring this under control."

Here in Dundee, LibDem spokesperson Claire Matthew said, "Benefits are meant for those in real need and Labour's failure to tackle fraud and abuse of the system is not just a waste of public money - its a national scandal."

Related Links:

Government has failed on benefits fraud and error - Laws.

Benefit fraud and errors cost government £2.7bn - Guardian.