Work Programme

Work and Pensions written question – answered at on 7 February 2013.

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Photo of Stephen Timms Stephen Timms Shadow Minister (Work and Pensions)

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what reports he has received about Work programme providers encouraging participants to submit fraudulent claims for working tax credit on the basis of non-existent self-employment; and if he will investigate any such reports of this practice.

Photo of Mark Hoban Mark Hoban The Minister of State, Department for Work and Pensions

Self-employment can be an appropriate route for many jobseekers to move off benefits and into work, and it is right that Work programme participants should be encouraged to consider whether it is appropriate for them.

We have tough controls in place to make sure taxpayers' money is protected, so providers will only get payments for helping people into self-employment when their claims have passed the Department's validation checks, which include checking that the individual has stopped claiming benefits. Any evidence of fraudulent activity would be investigated rigorously.

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