DEPARTMENT FOR WORK
AND PENSIONS News Release (Reference: HSE-105) issued by COI News
Distribution Service. 25 September 2008
A new
whistleblowers' hotline to help catch benefit cheats living
it up on the 'Costas' was launched today in Spain.
In the first trial of its kind, ex-pats in Alicante who suspect
benefit fraud will be able to report their concerns on a local
number. Cases will be passed by the operator to investigators in
the UK, who will also be able to draw on the team's
on-the-ground intelligence.
Anti-Benefit Fraud Minister, James Plaskitt said:
"Most ex-pats are law-abiding and outraged by people who
abuse the system. Helped by this hotline, the sun will now set on
the cheats."
The cost of benefit fraud committed abroad is an estimated £93
million a year. It involves a range of scams such as people on
means-tested benefits going abroad but not declaring their
absence, an individual working while "sick" and
legitimate payments taken over after the rightful recipient dies.
The pilot will test the usage and quality of information provided
and posters advertising the line will appear across Alicante from today.
The initiative is part of a growing relationship between Spain
and the UK on social security issues that already includes
agreements to data-match and share death notifications. Later this
week James Plaskitt will sign a Memorandum of Understanding to
cement the Anglo-Spanish partnership.
James Plaskitt added:
"Benefit fraud is a crime no matter where it happens. We are
forging strong relationships with governments across Europe to
help us catch the thieves who pick our pockets from beyond our shores."
Notes to editors
1. The Spanish benefit fraud hotline number is 900 554 440. It is
free and confidential and will initially operate 8am and 4pm,
Monday to Friday.
2. Of British ex-pats living in Spain, recent figures suggest
seven in ten are based in the "Costas" region, with
around 300,000 living in Alicante.
3. The hotline will be run and funded by the Department for Work
and Pensions, working with the Foreign & Commonwealth Office.
4. A supporting website was also launched today: http://www.dwp.gov.uk/benefit-thieves-spain
DWP Press Office 0203 267 5144
Website http://www.dwp.gov.uk