0.19% of benefits were claimed fraudulently or mistakenly last year, says Treasury

Less than one fifth of one per cent of benefits are wrongly claimed, according to the government.

The Treasury says just 0.19 per cent of benefits were claimed fraudulently or mistakenly last year, amounting to around £550,000.

Treasury Minister Dr Alex Allinson says out of 362 benefits fraud allegations last year, just 16 ended up with a court appearance.

But he's urged the public to report any suspected fraudulent claims anonymously.