The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has explain whether investigators might speak to a claimant's neighbours during a benefit fraud investigation. The information came to light after a Freedom of Information (FOI) request, which also queried the use of video surveillance by neighbours in such probes.

The DWP, responsible for administering State Pension and welfare benefits, supports approximately 22.7 million individuals across Great Britain. Recent data from the 2024 Fraud and Error in the Benefit System report indicates that overpayments due to benefit fraud have risen to £9.7 billion (3.7%), an increase from £8.3 billion the previous year.

Benefit fraud typically involves individuals claiming unemployment benefits while employed or falsely declaring they live alone without fina

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