Lyons hails ‘zero-tolerance’ approach as he reveals £60m drop in benefit fraud

Benefit fraud in Northern Ireland has fallen by £60 million in a year, Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has said.

The minister said the drop shows his “zero-tolerance approach” which includes his department publicly naming those convicted of fraud, is working.

Annual results show that in 2025, benefit fraud dropped to £170.9 million, compared to £233 million in 2024.

This represents an estimated 1.7% of total benefit expenditure, compared to 2.5% in 2024.

The Department for Communities said public referrals of fraud also increased by 25% compared to the same period last year.

Mr Lyons said: “I make no apology for taking a zero-tolerance approach to benefit fraud.

“Fraud is not a victimless crime.

“Individuals who cheat the system are taking support from those who need it most – family, friends and neighbours.

“Rates of fraud, however, remain too high and we can’t be complacent.

“While the reduction in fraud and error is a welcome development, it would be imprudent to expect this trend to continue without sustained efforts and investment into the Department’s counter fraud and error activity.”

Last year Mr Lyons reintroduced the practice of his Stormont department publishing the names of people convicted of benefit fraud.

The move by the DUP minister reversed a decision in 2020 by the then Sinn Féin minister Deirdre Hargey.

Mr Lyons said the practice of naming those convicted “is crucial in helping to deter those who may consider committing fraud”.

He said it also demonstrated his “unstinting commitment to protect resources intended for those in genuine need”.

The minister also said discussions are ongoing with the Treasury over the potential sharing of savings from tackling benefit fraud and error with the Executive.

He said: “I will continue to seek Executive support for the investment required which will allow us to reinvest the share of savings generated to programmes that support people with barriers to employment, particularly those with disabilities or health conditions.

“This is a key priority for me; it aligns with Programme for Government goals to reduce economic inactivity, tackle poverty and social exclusion, and support inclusive economic growth across Northern Ireland.”