October 2023
This report details the findings from the Public Perceptions Survey, which surveyed UK adults to understand perceptions of fraud, error and debt (FED) in the welfare benefits system, and to gauge attitudes toward a range of proposed new powers to reduce it. These include providing greater third-party access to data, modernising
information-gathering powers, seeking law-enforcement powers, developing debt recovery, and reforming the current penalty regime.
Overall, fraud and error in the welfare benefit system was seen as a concern: 62% of respondents saw fraud and error in the system as a big problem; 39% thought it was on the increase (compared to 5% who thought it was decreasing); and around a third (31%) believed “most” incorrect benefit claims are a result of dishonesty.
Survey of public perceptions of fraud, error and debt: research report (publishing.service.gov.uk)
