Government must justify spend on lie detectors

The Government last week announced that £1.5m is to be spent on lie detector tests designed to stop benefit fraud, despite the fact that results of the pilot schemes have not been published.

Commenting, Liberal Democrat Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary, Danny Alexander said:

“Before spending another £1.5m on more lie detector pilots, ministers should publish the evidence to show it does lower benefit fraud and is not another money wasting scheme.

“Spending more taxpayers’ money must be justified with proof that lie detector technology is actually making a real difference.

“Last year £530m was lost though officials making mistakes - it is astonishing that the Government has not published basic evidence before spending yet more public money.”