Information sharing to prevent welfare fraud

National is committed to delivering better public services to New Zealanders, and welfare reform is central to that.

This week the Government welcomed the pending start of new information sharing between Inland Revenue and the Ministry of Social Development. This is a huge step forward in preventing welfare fraud.

The vast majority of beneficiaries are doing the best they can and following the rules but a small minority exploit the system at great cost to taxpayers. Last year, 714 people were convicted of benefit fraud totalling $23.4 million.

Expanding information sharing between government agencies is the logical next step to take as we continue to improve the integrity of the welfare system.

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