£1bn lost through benefits error staggeringly unfair – Webb

A report by the House of Commons Work and Pensions Select Committee, "Decision Making and Appeals in the Benefits System", has found that overpayments due to error had soared from £400 million in 2000 to £800 million by the end of the decade.

Liberal Democrat Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary, Steve Webb commented: 

“The Government’s failure to get to grips with the over-complex benefits system is appalling, especially when so much is down to official error.

“It is staggeringly unfair that the taxpayer is forced to stump up almost £1bn just because officials are unable to administer a system of their own creation.  

“These blunders cause hardship and stress for many vulnerable people.  

“The benefits system needs to be much simpler, not least so officials can understand it properly.”