Queen’s speech signals attack on fraud

Investigators will be able to inspect tax records, and accounts held at banks, building societies and credit agencies when there is a reasonable suspicion of benefit fraud under a new social security fraud bill announced in the Queens’ speech on 6 December. Fixed penalties of between UK£1000 and UK£5000 will be imposed on employers who assist in fraudulent benefit claims by staff. The bill will also address the problem of benefits fraud committed by international organised groups by providing for exchange of information with social security authorities outside the UK. The Government will also introduce the draft Proceeds of Crime Bill in the next parliamentary session. It will specify the structure of the National Confiscation Agency that will pursue criminal assets through civil action in the High Court and assess the tax liability of those who are suspected of holding assets derived from crime.