WIREDGOV

''Cracking down on benefit fraud means training fraud investigators to the highest professional standards'' said Malcolm Wick, Department for Work & Pensions Minister during his visit to the Professionalism in Security (PINS) training scheme at Kensington House, Suffolk Queensway, Birmingham today.

Mr Wicks continued:

''Benefit fraud costs each household in the UK #80 a year. Money that could be spent to improve essential services such as schools, hospitals and housing. This Government is determined that the benefit system is protected from all fraudsters.

''Detection and punishment are key to making sure there is no hiding place for benefit fraudsters. The PINS course is at the heart of this Government''s drive to reduce the level of fraud in key benefits by 50% by 2006.

''So far over 2000 of the 3,500 strong benefit fraud investigating force have completed the 7 module course which includes covering specialisms such as covert surveillance, legislation, investigation techniques and court procedures.

''With these highly professional benefit fraud investigators in place, the 14 new operational intelligence units across the UK, to gather information about fraudulent claims, and greater powers under the Social Security Fraud Act 2000, we are well on-track to winning this battle against benefit fraud.''

The PINS training when successfully completed is accredited by Portsmouth University and investigators are awarded a certificate as an Accredited Counter Fraud Officer (ACFO). To meet the Government''s aim to promote life long learning, the Department for Work & Pensions is currently discussing with Portsmouth University and others possible enhancements to PINS training to create a route to degree level studies for staff.

Notes to Editors

Other public organisations including the NHS, Inland Revenue and the Child Support Agency are partners in the PINS accreditation process. The seven modules within PINS training are: legislation, intelligence & planning, Rules of Disclosure; Investigative Interviewing; Surveillance; Photographic & Video Evidence and Court Procedures. Intelligence Units have been established to ensure professional, legal management of data whether from Government or private sources. The Social Security Fraud Act 2001 permits Department for Work & Pensions authorised officers access to banks, financial sector institutions and credit reference agencies where there is reasonable suspicion of benefit fraud. Authorised officers will work to guidelines set out in a Statutory Code of Practice.

Public enquiries: 020 7712 2171 Website: www.dwp.gov.uk