Latest news with #JohnHayes
Daily Record
5 days ago
- Business
- Daily Record
DWP measures to stop people fraudulently claiming monthly PIP of up to £749
DWP said £330 million was lost to fraud and error within the PIP system last year. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) recently confirmed it is 'committed' to tackling fraud and error within the benefits system, including recovering debts generated by Personal Independent Payments (PIP). Conservative MP Sir John Hayes asked DWP what steps it is taking to 'tackle people fraudulently claiming PIP'. In a written response, DWP Minister Andrew Western, explained new measures being introduced to 'prevent fraud entering the system based on the types of cases and trends we have seen'. This includes 'introducing more rigorous checks for customers changing personal details, including bank accounts'. Mr Western said: ' DWP is committed to tackling fraud and error in the benefits system and to the recovery of debts, including those generated by Personal Independent Payments. Working closely with counter fraud experts, the DWP has introduced measures to prevent fraud entering the system based on the types of cases and trends we have seen.' New DWP measures to tackle benefit fraud These include: Strengthening the Identity and Verification Process to prevent fraudulent cases entering the system Introducing more rigorous checks for customers changing personal details, including bank accounts Delivering awareness sessions for Case Managers and Healthcare Professionals, reinforcing action to take when suspicious cases are identified - for example, fake documents The Minister continued: 'DWP is delivering against key counter fraud activity, including investing in counter fraud professionals and building data analytical capabilities. The new Fraud, Error and Debt Bill will bring forward new measures to tackle fraud in the system. 'Details on the measures the Government will be legislating will be presented to Parliament in due course.' The DWP pays benefits to nearly 24 million people across Great Britain, including 3.7m on PIP. The latest DWP report shows £330m was lost to fraud and error in the PIP system last year, up from £90m in 2023/24. Fraud and error in the welfare system cost the taxpayer £9.5bn in overpayments last year, compared to £9.7bn in 2023/24. Fraud This guidance on explains that this relates to claims where all three of the following conditions apply: the conditions for receipt of benefit, or the rate of benefit in payment, are not met the claimant can reasonably be expected to be aware of the effect on their entitlement benefit payment stops or reduces as a result of a review of the claim. Claimant error These are overpayments where claimants have provided inaccurate or incomplete information, or failed to report a change in their circumstances which has led to an overpayment, but there is no evidence of fraudulent intent on the claimant's part. Official error This is where benefits have been paid incorrectly due to a failure to act, a delay or a mistaken assessment by the Department, a local authority or His Majesty's Revenue and Customs, to which no one outside of that department has materially contributed, regardless of whether the business unit has processed the information. Last year, Mr Western clarified that the proposed Fraud, Error and Debt Bill 'will not give DWP access to any bank accounts, nor any information on how claimants spend their money'adding that banks and financial institutions will share 'limited information' with the Department to 'help verify benefit eligibility by flagging possible conflicts with eligibility rules'. The DWP Minister said: 'As set out by the National Audit Office, access to data is key to prevention and detection of incorrect payments. The Eligibility Verification Measure (EVM) in the proposed Fraud, Error and Debt Bill will not give DWP access to any bank accounts, nor any information on how claimants spend their money. 'It will require banks and financial institutions to share limited information with the DWP to help verify benefit eligibility by flagging possible conflicts with eligibility rules - for example the £16,000 capital limit in Universal Credit. The information gathered will help DWP identify incorrect payments, prevent debts from accruing for the claimant and help identify where there may be fraudulent activity.' He added: 'The legislation will set out key safeguards, including reporting mechanisms and independent oversight. No benefit entitlement decision will be made solely because of the data obtained under EVM and a final decision on benefit entitlement will always involve a human agent. 'If a claimant wishes to challenge or appeal a benefit decision, they can do so following DWP's appeals processes.'
News.com.au
03-06-2025
- Health
- News.com.au
This single change to your food can help you eat less overall
Red hot skinny peppers? Scientists at Penn State University's Sensory Evaluation Center have discovered that a little heat goes a long way in limiting caloric intake at meal times. Their findings, slated to be published in the October issue of Food Quality and Preference, suggest that the 'oral burn' left by spicy foods has a direct bearing on consumption habits, and adding slightly more spice to a meal can lead to eating less. 'We know from previous studies that when people slow down, they eat significantly less,' said Paige Cunningham, a postdoctoral researcher and lead author on the study who earned her doctorate in nutritional sciences from Penn State in 2023. 'We suspected that making a meal spicier might slow people down.' 'We thought, let's test, under controlled experimental conditions in the lab, if adding a small amount of spice, but not so much that the meal is inedible, will make people eat slower and therefore eat less.' The research team conducted three experiments in which participants were served one of two meals: beef chilli or chicken tikka masala in two versions, mild or spicy. Researchers found that increasing spice levels using dried chilli pepper effectively slowed the eating rate and reduced the amount consumed without affecting overall palatability. 'This points to added chillies as a potential strategy for reducing the risk of energy overconsumption,' said John Hayes, Penn State professor of food science and corresponding author on the paper. 'While portion control wasn't the explicit goal of this study, our results suggest this might work.' Hayes noted that an intuitive explanation for the caloric discrepancy would be that spicy eaters drank more water, leading them to 'fill up' faster. However, water intake proved consistent, whether participants ate mild or spicy meals. 'This is why we need to do empirical studies of behaviour, because what you might intuitively expect is often not the case,' he said. The study suggests that reduced caloric intake is motivated by oral processing; in essence, participants consumed spicier meals at a slower rate. Cunningham noted that a slower eating rate equates to food remaining in the mouth for a longer period of time, which can signal satiety and lead people to eat less. Further, the team found that appetite ratings taken before and after the meals were congruent, indicating that despite eating less of it, participants felt full after tucking into a spicy meal. 'Next time you're looking to eat a little less, try adding a blast of chillies, as it may slow you down and help you eat less,' suggested Hayes. In addition to curbing cravings, eating spicy food is associated with a pepper patch of health benefits. Studies suggest that capsaicin, the compound found in jalapeños, habaneras, cayenne, and most other chilli peppers, may lower LDL, or bad, cholesterol, which accumulates on artery walls and constricts blood flow to the heart. Spicy food can also help dilate blood vessels, promote circulation, and help manage blood sugar. A 2006 study in the journal Cancer suggested capsaicin may inhibit the spread of prostate cancer cells. Spicy foods also boost immunity as studies suggest they can act as a decongestant, protecting against irritants and pollutants, like dust and smoke. Better yet and better for your health, a Harvard University study suggested that people who ate spicy food every day saw a 14 per cent lower risk of death compared to people who ate spicy food only once a week or less.
The Sun
23-05-2025
- Health
- The Sun
The £2 ingredient to add to meals if want to cut back on calories – as scientists show it can make you eat less
THROWING a little heat on your meal could be an effective strategy for cutting back on calories, say scientists. Increasing "oral burn" - the feeling you get when you eat spicy food - has been found to impact how much people consume during a meal. In a new study led by Penn State, researchers demonstrated how adding spicy ingredients like chilli peppers to meals causes people eating less and consume fewer calories. "We know from previous studies that when people slow down, they eat significantly less," said Paige Cunningham, a postdoctoral researcher and lead author on the study. "We suspected that making a meal spicier might slow people down. "We thought, let's test, under controlled experimental conditions in the lab, if adding a small amount of spice, but not so much that the meal is inedible, will make people eat slower and therefore eat less." The researchers found increasing spiciness just slightly using dried chilli pepper slowed down eating and reduced the amount of food and energy consumed at a meal - all without negatively affecting the taste of the dish. "This points to added chillies as a potential strategy for reducing the risk of energy overconsumption," said John Hayes, Penn State professor of food science and corresponding author on the paper. "While portion control wasn't the explicit goal of this study, our results suggest this might work. "Next time you're looking to eat a little less, try adding a blast of chillies, as it may slow you down and help you eat less." The team carried out three related experiments which involved 130 adults who were served one of two lunch meals - beef chilli or chicken tikka masala. Both these dishes came in one or two versions - mild or spicy. I lost almost a stone in just six days and here's the exact list of delicious meals I ate which never left me hungry The spiciness level was controlled by carefully varying the ratio of hot versus sweet paprika added to the dishes to vary the heat while keeping the chilli flavour constant. Participants were then recorded on high-definition video while they ate their meals to monitor their behaviours - including how much food and water they consumed, meal duration, and eating speed of grams per minute. The researchers also recorded bite rate, bite size, and collected ratings on appetite, liking and spiciness before and after the meal. "Formulating the recipes took a long time for the chicken tikka," Cunningham said. "It took so many rounds of testing that my lab mates were sick of it. "But science is about trial and error. I'd make a recipe, see how far I could push the spiciness, and we'd taste it. 2 "We did that until we reached a level where palatability was matched even when spiciness increased." Slower eating rate often means food is in the mouth longer, which can help signal fullness and lead to eating less, she explained. Other studies have slowed eating rate by manipulating texture, and similar effects have been observed. "What's critical here is that the reduction in intake occurred without negatively impacting how much participants liked the food," Hayes said. Water intake didn't differ significantly between spicy and mild meals, which showed that drinking more water and filling up faster wasn't a primary reason people ate less. Hayes also noted that appetite ratings made before and after the meals were similar, suggesting participants still felt full after the spicy meal, despite eating less of it. The team is now looking to understand how oral burn can impact other eating behaviours like snacking. Whole dried birds eye chillies can be bought for as little as £2 from Tesco.
Daily Mirror
13-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
DWP measures to prevent PIP benefit fraud of payments worth £750 a month
This year, the Labour government announced a major shake-up to the UK's main disability benefit, PIP, and shared further measures on how it would clamp down on fraud within the benefit system The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has shared some of the steps it is taking to tackle fraudulent claims of Personal Independence Payment (PIP). The DWP confirmed - under both the Tory and Labour governments - that it was "committed" to tackling fraud within the benefits system. This year, the Labour government announced a major shake-up to the UK's main disability benefit, PIP, and shared further measures on how it would clamp down on fraud within the benefit system. PIP is paid to people with long-term mental or physical health conditions or disabilities. PIP is not an out of work benefit, the aim of it is to help with the extra financial costs which come with medical conditions and disabilities. Unlike other benefits, you can also get PIP even if you're working, have savings or are getting most other benefits. In a previous written question, Conservative MP Sir John Hayes asked the benefti department what steps it was taking to 'tackle people fraudulently claiming PIP'. In response, Andrew Western, DWP minister and Labour MP for Stretford and Urmston, said: "DWP is committed to tackling fraud and error in the benefits system and to the recovery of debts, including those generated by PIP." Join Money Saving Club's specialist topics He also noted that the department was "working closely" with counter fraud experts to recover debts and had already introduced measures to "prevent fraud entering the system" based on the types of cases and trends it had seen. This included Strengthening the Identity and Verification Process to prevent fraudulent cases from entering the system Introducing more rigorous checks for customers changing personal details, including bank accounts Delivering awareness sessions for Case Managers and Healthcare Professionals, reinforcing action to take when suspicious cases are identified - for example, fake documents He added: 'DWP is delivering against key counter fraud activity, including investing in counter fraud professionals and building data analytical capabilities. The new Fraud, Error and Debt Bill will bring forward new measures to tackle fraud in the system." Sign up to Mirror Money's newsletter for the latest advice and news From universal credit to furlough, employment rights, travel updates and emergency financial aid - we've got all of the big financial stories you need to know about right now. There are currently around 3.6 million people who claim PIP in the UK. According to figures from the DWP for the financial year ending 2024, PIP fraud stood at 0%, while Disability Living Allowance (DLA) fraud stood at 0.1%, which was rounded to £0million. PIP overpayments stood at 0.4%, which is the equivalent of £90million lost in a year. That is compared to 1.1% - or £200million - in the financial year ending 2023. According to the data, the majority of overpayments happened because of errors where the claimant did not report a change in their needs. Only one in 100 PIP claimants was overpaid. For DLA, the overpayment rate was 0.5% or £30million in the financial year ending 2024. Around 0.2% was due to claimant error, mainly because claimants failed to report that they were admitted to hospitals or care homes. The next DWP fraud and error report is due to be published later this month.
Wales Online
13-05-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
DWP steps to prevent people fraudulently claiming PIP payments
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info The Department for Work and Pensions has reaffirmed its vow to combat benefit fraud and error, including reclaiming debts from Personal Independent Payments. This statement was made in response to an inquiry by Conservative MP Sir John Hayes, who questioned what actions the DWP is taking to address individuals submitting fraudulent PIP claims. In a written response, DWP Minister Andrew Western detailed new initiatives being put in place to prevent fraudulent activity from entering the system based on observed patterns and case types. Read more: Nationwide warns over major shake-up Some of these steps include implementing more stringent checks when claimants modify personal details, such as bank accounts, as reported by the Daily Record. Western stated, "DWP is dedicated to tackling fraud and error within the benefits system and to recovering debts, including those from Personal Independent Payments. Working closely with counter-fraud specialists, DWP has introduced measures to prevent fraudulent activity based on observed cases and trends.", reports the Express. DWP introduces new measures to combat benefit fraud. The Minister further noted, "DWP is making progress in key counter-fraud activities, including investing in counter-fraud professionals and enhancing data analytical capabilities. The new Fraud, Error, and Debt Bill will introduce additional measures to tackle systemic fraud. "Details of the legislative measures will be presented to Parliament in due course." Minister Western outlined new measures being taken to "prevent fraud entering the system based on the types of cases and trends we have seen". These measures include "introducing more rigorous checks for customers changing personal details, including bank accounts", reports the Daily Record. Mr Western stated: "DWP is committed to tackling fraud and error in the benefits system and to the recovery of debts, including those generated by Personal Independent Payments. Working closely with counter fraud experts, the DWP has introduced measures to prevent fraud entering the system based on the types of cases and trends we have seen." New DWP measures to tackle benefit fraud. The Minister added: "DWP is delivering against key counter fraud activity, including investing in counter fraud professionals and building data analytical capabilities. The new Fraud, Error and Debt Bill will bring forward new measures to tackle fraud in the system. "Details on the measures the Government will be legislating will be presented to Parliament in due course." The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) delivers benefits to over 23 million individuals across Great Britain, including 3.6 million on Personal Independence Payment (PIP). The latest DWP report discloses that £90 million was lost to fraud and error in the PIP system in 2023/24. Fraud and error within the welfare system currently burden taxpayers with nearly £10 billion each year. Since the onset of the pandemic, a staggering total of £35 billion has been erroneously paid to those not entitled to it. It's important to clarify that this figure also encompasses criminal gangs, not solely benefit claimants. The forthcoming DWP fraud and error report is due to be released later this month. As per guidance on fraud pertains to claims where all three of the following conditions are satisfied:. Claimant error refers to overpayments where claimants have supplied inaccurate or incomplete information, or neglected to report a change in their circumstances resulting in an overpayment, but there is no evidence of fraudulent intent on the claimant's part. Official error transpires when benefits have been wrongly paid due to a failure to act, a delay, or an incorrect assessment by the Department, a local authority, or His Majesty's Revenue and Customs, to which no one outside of that department has significantly contributed, irrespective of whether the business unit has processed the information. Last year, Mr Western clarified the scope of the soon-to-be-unveiled Fraud, Error and Debt Bill by emphasising: "will not give DWP access to any bank accounts, nor any information on how claimants spend their money" further explaining that "limited information" will be made available to banks for the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to bolster benefits eligibility checks and spotlight potential rule breaches. The Minister for the DWP was adamant: "As set out by the National Audit Office, access to data is key to prevention and detection of incorrect payments. The Eligibility Verification Measure (EVM) in the proposed Fraud, Error and Debt Bill will not give DWP access to any bank accounts, nor any information on how claimants spend their money." Stressing what the bill seeks to accomplish, he elaborated: "It will require banks and financial institutions to share limited information with the DWP to help verify benefit eligibility by flagging possible conflicts with eligibility rules - for example the £16,000 capital limit in Universal Credit. The information gathered will help DWP identify incorrect payments, prevent debts from accruing for the claimant and help identify where there may be fraudulent activity." To highlight the protective elements, he declared: "The legislation will set out key safeguards, including reporting mechanisms and independent oversight. No benefit entitlement decision will be made solely because of the data obtained under EVM and a final decision on benefit entitlement will always involve a human agent. "If a claimant wishes to challenge or appeal a benefit decision, they can do so following DWP's appeals processes."
