Communities minister Gordon Lyons
Communities minister Gordon Lyons has outlined his ‘zero-tolerance approach’ to benefit fraud in a statement to the Northern Ireland Assembly today.
In the statement, Minister Lyons announced the reintroduction of naming those convicted of benefit fraud and the establishment of a Task and Finish Group to examine the Department’s current interventions in fraud cases.
Minister Lyons said the benefit system was a key component in a fair and compassionate society that needed to be protected from abuse.
“Welfare fraud is not just a financial issue,” he said, “it is a moral one. When individuals cheat the system, they are not stealing from a faceless entity; they are taking from their neighbours, their friends, and their fellow citizens. They are undermining the very safety net that so many rely on.
“Therefore, let me be unequivocal: I am taking a zero-tolerance approach. I am personally committed to rooting out fraud and ensuring that those who exploit the system face the consequences.”
Minister Lyons acknowledged the efforts of staff within his department in benefit delivery and security, working to protect the integrity of the entire benefits system. He added that DfC’s Benefit Security Division, which made around 20,000 investigative contacts last year, would aim to increase that figure to 30,000 in this financial year.
“There is a substantial body of work underway in my department to ensure the right money goes to the right people at the right time,” said Minister Lyons.
“My department receives approximately 10,000 fraud allegations per year and around 25,000 ‘high risk’ scans which helps us point our resources to the emerging risks. All allegations are triaged before routing to the appropriate team to investigate. This is an indication of how seriously we take this issue.
“My department’s Benefit Security Division works hand in glove with UC operations to secure insights and drive real time learning on suspected fraud and to target resources towards that.”
Minister Lyons concluded:
“For too long, there has been a sense that the system is not working for hard-working families and people who do the right thing - that it is too easy for some to exploit, while others who genuinely need help are left struggling. That erodes trust. It undermines confidence. And it is not good enough.
“We must rebuild that trust. We must restore confidence in a welfare system that is fair, transparent, and focused on those who need it most. That is the change I am determined to deliver, and we should not rest until we get it right.”