New technology to help prevent benefit fraud

Housing Benefit

In order to reduce the amount of false benefits claims, Voice Risk Analysis technology has been used local authorities to expose those making fraudulent claims. The technology assesses stress levels in voices over the phone, combining it with conversation management techniques and behavioural analysis to determine whether or not the speaker is telling the truth. The system provides instant results, and claimants who are suspected of cheating can update their details or will face a detailed investigation, including a home visit.

It was first tested by the Department for Work and Pensions at six local authorities from May 2007 following its success in the private sector, in areas such as insurance claims, and it has been estimated that these councils have been saved millions. These councils were joined in December 2008 by a further 25. If successful, the department will introduce it across the UK where it could generate tens of millions in savings.

In 2007 £400 million was lost to benefit cheats, which was a surprisingly large increase of £160 million on the previous 12 months. However, there were only 6,756 convictions for this fraud in 2007, which is 2,000 less than 2005. The Department of Work and Pensions spent £154 million in 2007 tackling benefit fraud, including £8 million on its high profile 'No Ifs, No Buts' campaign. However, only £106 million of bogus claims was identified and just £22 million recovered. The total for fraud and error in the system has amounted to £14 billion since 2003, including £6.7 billion in overpayments.
Daily Mail, 22nd January 2009 (by Andrew Levy)