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<p>Most welfare losses, across Government, arise from a failure to report changes
of circumstances. Universal Credit provides a single, digital interface through which
claimants can more easily report these changes. As such, once Universal Credit is
fully rolled out, we expect cross-welfare losses to fraud, error and overpayments
to be reduced by around £1 billion.</p><p> </p><p>The Department takes benefit fraud
very seriously and is committed to taking appropriate action. We have a dedicated
team of investigators working on this issue and are working with the Crown Prosecution
Service to ensure that, where appropriate, the perpetrators of this fraud are prosecuted.
Prosecutions for benefit fraud can result in prison sentences.</p><p> </p><p>The Department
has been working to improve knowledge and awareness of advances fraud amongst Jobcentre
and Service Centre staff. Guidance has also been issued to ensure that staff are aware
how to refer cases of suspected fraud to the Department’s fraud team.</p>
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