Menu
28/06/2001
SOCIAL SECURITY AGENCY SCRUTINISED
A Northern Ireland Audit Office Report has revealed that benefit fraud and mistakes in social security payments in the province have hit £22 million.
The shocking statistic was revealed by the Assembly's independent auditor, John Dowdall, who published the report on the performance of the Social Security Agency in recovering debts due to the overpayment of social security benefits.
The report also revealed that over the six year period from 1994 to 2000 the Agency had written-off almost £30 million in benefit overpayments. However, in the last two years the Agency had become more adept at identifying fraud and error because of greater emphasis in this area.
The report concluded that the action taken by the Agency to address the concerns raised by the Committee of Public Accounts in 1993 had had fairly limited success in improving the effectiveness of the debt management process.
In general, the report found that there was substantial scope for improvement in the performance of the Agency's Debt Management Unit and it identifies opportunities for more timely, efficient and effective recovery of outstanding debt.
A spokesperson for the Social Security Agency said that the Agency had received the report from the Audit Office and would be considering the findings in detail.
(MB)
The shocking statistic was revealed by the Assembly's independent auditor, John Dowdall, who published the report on the performance of the Social Security Agency in recovering debts due to the overpayment of social security benefits.
The report also revealed that over the six year period from 1994 to 2000 the Agency had written-off almost £30 million in benefit overpayments. However, in the last two years the Agency had become more adept at identifying fraud and error because of greater emphasis in this area.
The report concluded that the action taken by the Agency to address the concerns raised by the Committee of Public Accounts in 1993 had had fairly limited success in improving the effectiveness of the debt management process.
In general, the report found that there was substantial scope for improvement in the performance of the Agency's Debt Management Unit and it identifies opportunities for more timely, efficient and effective recovery of outstanding debt.
A spokesperson for the Social Security Agency said that the Agency had received the report from the Audit Office and would be considering the findings in detail.
(MB)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
28 November 2024
Japanese Cyber Security Firm Expands in Northern Ireland
Economy Minister Conor Murphy has announced that Nihon Cyber Defence (NCD) is expanding its operations in Northern Ireland. The Japanese cyber security firm, which specialises in protecting critical infrastructure, governments, and businesses from cyber-attacks, first established a presence in Northern Ireland in 2018. This latest £1.
Japanese Cyber Security Firm Expands in Northern Ireland
Economy Minister Conor Murphy has announced that Nihon Cyber Defence (NCD) is expanding its operations in Northern Ireland. The Japanese cyber security firm, which specialises in protecting critical infrastructure, governments, and businesses from cyber-attacks, first established a presence in Northern Ireland in 2018. This latest £1.
14 October 2022
Swann To Reduce Agency Spending In Health And Social Care
Health Minister Robin Swann has announced new measures to reduce expenditure on agency staffing within health and social care and to eliminate the use of off-contract agencies. The use of off-contract agencies has contributed significantly to an increase in agency staff expenditure over the last decade.
Swann To Reduce Agency Spending In Health And Social Care
Health Minister Robin Swann has announced new measures to reduce expenditure on agency staffing within health and social care and to eliminate the use of off-contract agencies. The use of off-contract agencies has contributed significantly to an increase in agency staff expenditure over the last decade.
17 June 2004
Social Security Agency reduces fraud losses by £6.25m
The Social Security Agency has saved more than £6.25 million of taxpayers’ money after investigating more than 4,000 cases of benefit fraud, it was revealed today. During the period from April 2003 to March 2004, the Agency investigated more than 7,700 benefit cases, resulting in changes to the benefits paid in almost 4,000 instances.
Social Security Agency reduces fraud losses by £6.25m
The Social Security Agency has saved more than £6.25 million of taxpayers’ money after investigating more than 4,000 cases of benefit fraud, it was revealed today. During the period from April 2003 to March 2004, the Agency investigated more than 7,700 benefit cases, resulting in changes to the benefits paid in almost 4,000 instances.
29 March 2004
Benefits agency strengthens links with voluntary sector
A research report detailing a joint Social Security Agency/Advice Service Alliance project and new protocols on joint working between the Agency and the voluntary sector were launched today.
Benefits agency strengthens links with voluntary sector
A research report detailing a joint Social Security Agency/Advice Service Alliance project and new protocols on joint working between the Agency and the voluntary sector were launched today.
11 November 2014
£196m Spent On Delivering NI Benefits
£196m was spent on delivering the benefit system in Northern Ireland in 2012-13, the Northern Ireland Audit Office has said. A report published today highlights areas in which savings could be made in the administration of benefits in the region.
£196m Spent On Delivering NI Benefits
£196m was spent on delivering the benefit system in Northern Ireland in 2012-13, the Northern Ireland Audit Office has said. A report published today highlights areas in which savings could be made in the administration of benefits in the region.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Rain clearing away east by early evening with some clear spells but a few showers likely to affect the North coast and other areas towards dawn, remaining breezy and mild overnight. Minimum temperature 9 °C.
