66th Report - Tackling fraud and error in benefit expenditure 2024-25
Select Committee
Public Accounts Committee
HC 1231
11 February 2026
Government response
Treasury minutes: Government response to the Committee of Public Accounts on the Sixty-sixth report from Session 2024-26 · published 7 Apr 2026
Recommendations & Conclusions
4 results
1
Conclusion
Not Addressed
Committee scrutinises DWP evidence on tackling benefit fraud and error expenditure
Conclusion
On the basis of two reports by the Comptroller and Auditor General (the C&AG), we took evidence from the Department for Work and Pensions (the Department) on tackling fraud and error in benefit expenditure.1
Government Response Summary
The government's response rejects an unspecified recommendation related to fraud and error reduction targets and cost-effective control environments, stating it cannot accept it until a position is agreed with the NAO, and highlights ongoing efforts and achievements in reducing fraud and error. The response does not address the actual conclusion.
HM Treasury
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16
Conclusion
Not Addressed
Targeted benefits increase complexity and risk of fraud and error
Conclusion
In many instances, Parliament has targeted benefits to claimants’ needs and circumstances, with the aim of ensuring that resources are used efficiently. However, this can introduce complexity and increase the risk of fraud and error.29
Government Response Summary
The government restates the committee's conclusion without providing a response.
HM Treasury
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19
Conclusion
Not Addressed
DWP's modernisation programme seeks to extend digital fraud prevention to other benefit platforms.
Conclusion
The Department’s modern digital systems for Universal Credit have made it easier to implement fraud and error prevention measures for this benefit.33 We asked the Department what it was doing to improve the digital platforms for other benefits, so it …
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Government Response Summary
The government response is a restatement of the committee's conclusion.
HM Treasury
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28
Conclusion
Not Addressed
Independent review found DWP's incorrect guidance caused systemic Carer's Allowance overpayment issues.
Conclusion
The Independent Review of Carer’s Allowance Overpayments, published in November 2025, found that the prevalence of overpayments related to earnings had been caused not by widespread individual error by carers in reporting their earnings, but by systemic issues preventing them …
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Government Response Summary
The government restates the committee's conclusion without providing a response.
HM Treasury
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