By GB News (World News) | Created at 2025-01-12 12:04:28 | Updated at 2025-01-12 15:07:22
3 hours ago
More than nine in 10 disability benefit assessments are now being conducted remotely, sparking concerns over potential widespread fraud in the welfare system.
Face-to-face assessments for disability benefits have fallen to their lowest levels since the pandemic, with just two per cent of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) checks conducted in person during September and October 2024.
The figures mark a significant decline, with in-person assessments dropping to four per cent in August and November.
These levels haven't been this low since February 2022, when Covid-19 restrictions were still in effect across the UK.
The Department for Work and Pensions projects that 4.2 million adults will be claiming PIP by 2030
Getty
PIP payments, which are not means-tested, can reach up to £798.63 monthly for those on the highest rate.
Former government efficiency minister Jacob Rees-Mogg warned: "Without face-to-face assessments scroungers and fraudsters may play the system to the cost of honest taxpayers. It is time Britons got back to work."
The DWP has reported a marked increase in benefits fraud since the pandemic began.
Benefits fraud cost taxpayers over £7billion in 2023, according to the latest government figures.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has reportedly instructed Treasury officials to take a tougher stance on spending
PA
The department has noted that "a range of evidence indicates that there is a long-term rising trend in fraudulent behaviour towards organisations and a softening of attitudes regarding fraud in wider society."
The Department for Work and Pensions currently has the lowest office attendance rate in Whitehall, with just 58 per cent of desks occupied during the first three months of the Labour government.
Labour's plans to reform the system include a major crackdown on fraudulent claims, spearheaded by Welfare Secretary Liz Kendall.
The initiative is expected to recover £1.6billion over the next five years.
The government is developing plans to withdraw money directly from fraudsters' bank accounts.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has reportedly instructed Treasury officials to take a tougher stance on spending, with plans to reduce the disability benefits bill by billions.
Officials are working on stricter rules regarding proof of disability for PIP claims.
A government spokesman defended the assessment process, stating: "All PIP assessments are conducted rigorously and professionally regardless of which channel is used, and are independently audited to ensure claimants are receiving the same high-quality service."
