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The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has hired 5,000 new inspectors as part of a massive anti-fraud crackdown.

The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) projects the reforms will help recover £9.6 billion over five years.

It will target both welfare cheats and tax dodgers in what has been described as the "biggest package" of anti-fraud measures "in recent history," according to parliamentary under-secretary for work and pensions, Andrew Western.

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He said the Government would "bear down" on anyone "ripping off the public purse."

Mr Western added that these powers would enable authorities to "keep pace with offenders who exploit the social security system".

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