By James Bryce
CAMPAIGNERS have slammed the UK benefit system, which is allowing expats abroad to defraud around 70million euros a year from government coffers.
They believe the majority of this so called ‘abroad fraud’ is being committed by Britons living in Spain.
The TaxPayers’ Alliance (TPA) is now calling for a major shake-up of the claims process, in a bid to prevent the huge amount of fraud.
TPA Research Director John O’Connell, told the Olive Press: “It’s alarming for taxpayers and genuine claimants that so much is lost to fraud.
“The reality is that the benefits system is way too complicated, with over 50 benefits available to claimants, meaning that loopholes are exploited too often both in the UK and abroad.
“The entire system needs a drastic overhaul and must be simplified as soon as possible.”
The Department for Work and Pensions supported the view, confirming that an overhaul of the system was vital if benefit claims were to be processed more efficiently.
“Fundamentally, the system has grown far too complex and is in need of radical reform to make it easier to administer”, said a spokesman.
The Olive Press launched a ‘Beat the Cheats’ campaign last month to try and help clamp down on the fraud.
We are calling on readers to bring cheats to justice. Please contact Jon@theolivepress.es or phone 951166060.
Click here to read more News from The Olive Press.
“allowing expats abroad to defraud around 70million euros a year from government coffers.”
I wasn’t aware that the UK Goverment coffers held Euros
The UK government would then be able to hand over another €70,000,000 on top of the £650,000,000 they give in AID to Pakistan, great eh.
The Olive Press’s time would be better spent looking at ways of stopping that!
What benefits? As so often in these articles, a lack of information. Do they mean people claiming unemployment whilst living in Spain?