The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has revealed that civil servants within the organization were responsible for stealing over £1.7 million in benefits during the 2024/25 financial year. This revelation comes from the department’s latest annual report, which outlines extensive internal misconduct.
According to the report, 25 internal investigations were carried out regarding benefits fraud or payment diversions, resulting in verified losses amounting to £1,713,809.18. The findings have sparked public outrage, especially among benefits claimants.
Fraudulent Activities and Loophole Exploitation
The report highlights shocking instances of internal abuse. In one notable case, a DWP employee manipulated customer ID verification procedures, bypassing established security protocols to illegally approve payments. Another staff member fraudulently verified multiple customer identities and claims without valid documentation or evidence.
The pattern of fraud is not isolated to the recent year. In 2023/24, a similar number of 25 investigations were conducted. However, the 2024/25 report also uncovers an additional 22 cases of fraud involving salaries and expenses, resulting in a further £43,886.76 in losses.
Public Reaction and Political Commentary
Baroness Ros Altmann, a former pensions minister for the Conservative Party, expressed dismay over the revelations. Speaking to a newspaper, she commented:
“DWP staff stealing money from benefit claimants is obviously really shocking.
While there will always be some bad actors, I believe most civil servants are trustworthy and would be horrified to learn that some of their colleagues have stolen money meant for vulnerable and disabled claimants.”
She added that the DWP must act decisively to eliminate such misconduct and that criminal charges should be pursued in serious cases.
Official DWP Response to Internal Fraud
A DWP spokesperson issued a public statement acknowledging the seriousness of the matter. The department confirmed:
“We take fraud extremely seriously, and when there is evidence of wrongdoing, employees face disciplinary action up to and including dismissal.”
The statement further clarified that all such cases are referred for criminal prosecution, ensuring that fraudulent employees face the full consequences of their actions.
Summary of DWP Internal Fraud Cases
| Financial Year | No. of Benefit Fraud Investigations | Total Losses (Benefits) | Salary/Expenses Fraud Cases | Losses (Expenses) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 25 | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed |
| 2024/25 | 25 | £1,713,809.18 | 22 | £43,886.76 |
The exposure of internal fraud within the DWP highlights a disturbing breach of trust by those tasked with supporting society’s most vulnerable.
With over £1.7 million stolen in the past year alone, the need for tighter controls, greater oversight, and criminal accountability has never been more urgent.
While most civil servants serve with integrity, this scandal underscores the importance of rooting out corruption to protect public funds and restore faith in the system.
FAQs
How much money was stolen by DWP employees in 2024/25?
A total of £1,713,809.18 was lost due to internal benefit fraud, with an additional £43,886.76 from salary and expense-related fraud.
How many investigations were carried out by the DWP into internal fraud?
There were 25 benefit fraud investigations and 22 salary and expense fraud cases in the 2024/25 financial year.
What actions does the DWP take against fraudulent employees?
The DWP enforces disciplinary measures, including dismissal, and refers cases for criminal prosecution when sufficient evidence exists.