Government works with Experian to credit check benefit claimants

The Government drive to investigate benefit fraud committed by the poor is being aided by a 12 month contract drawn up between HMRC and the DWP.

The government departments are working with credit reference agency Experian, in a bid to stop a projected £800m of benefit fraud and error.

Minister for Welfare Reform, Lord Freud said: “Benefit fraud is a crime and we are committed to stamping it out.”

“We will catch and punish those who abuse the system and prevent fraud from entering in the first place.

”Alongside this work at the frontline, we are bringing in the Universal Credit which will simplify and automate

All means tested benefits – Jobseekers Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support, Pension Credit and Housing Benefit will be covered by the checks.