HB Fraud: Tory MP Urges Rethink

Cash-strapped councils are losing millions of pounds to housing benefit fraud and the government is not doing enough to stop it, a Tory MP claims.  Stephen Barclay says councils have no incentive to go after fraudsters and they are getting away "scot free". He is calling for a review of the incentives offered to councils by the DWP to claw back money through the courts. The DWP compensates local authorities in England for 40% of any losses incurred due to fraudulent housing benefit claims.  It says councils can then pursue the full amount from the fraudster - allowing them to potentially recoup 140% of the amount stolen.  Read more on the BBC website.