The Department for Work & Pensions should have increased its focus on Housing Benefit fraud and error sooner, according to a report from the National Audit Office.

The total level of benefit overpayment due to fraud and error has increased to an estimated £1.4 billion in 2013-14 from £980 million in 2010-11. The overpayment is 5.8% of spending on this benefit.

Read more on WATCHDOG CRITICISES RESPONSE TO RISING BENEFIT FRAUD…