From the BBC
Credit ratings firms are set for a bigger role in tackling the £5.2bn annual cost of benefit cheats and overpayments, David Cameron is to say.
One firm, Experian, said it was in talks with ministers over a deal which could see it paid according to the number of cheats it uncovers.
Credit rating firms monitor people's spending patterns on household bills and credit card spending.
The PM will also outline plans for tougher penalties and more convictions.
Experian said it already had a contract to scrutinise new housing benefit claimants, in a deal agreed by the previous government which had saved £17m.
It added that it could undertake a wider commitment which could see it examining claims for other benefits across the UK.
The company says it could save £1bn if "simple cost-effective and proven fraud prevention techniques" were used across the public sector.
Ahead of Mr Cameron's speech, Work and Pensions Minister Chris Grayling said credit agencies held "extensive data" which could be used to cut benefit fraud.
He told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "The whole point is that we are introducing, across a number of government activities, payment by results...
"Government should pay people - outside organisations - when they get the job done."
Mr Grayling added: "Why should government not use the same tools that are available to independent organisations?"
He rejected fears over the civil liberties of claimants, saying that only credit rating firms which worked "within the rules" would be considered for contracts.
Credit ratings firms are set for a bigger role in tackling the £5.2bn annual cost of benefit cheats and overpayments, David Cameron is to say.
One firm, Experian, said it was in talks with ministers over a deal which could see it paid according to the number of cheats it uncovers.
Credit rating firms monitor people's spending patterns on household bills and credit card spending.
The PM will also outline plans for tougher penalties and more convictions.
Experian said it already had a contract to scrutinise new housing benefit claimants, in a deal agreed by the previous government which had saved £17m.
It added that it could undertake a wider commitment which could see it examining claims for other benefits across the UK.
The company says it could save £1bn if "simple cost-effective and proven fraud prevention techniques" were used across the public sector.
Ahead of Mr Cameron's speech, Work and Pensions Minister Chris Grayling said credit agencies held "extensive data" which could be used to cut benefit fraud.
He told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "The whole point is that we are introducing, across a number of government activities, payment by results...
"Government should pay people - outside organisations - when they get the job done."
Mr Grayling added: "Why should government not use the same tools that are available to independent organisations?"
He rejected fears over the civil liberties of claimants, saying that only credit rating firms which worked "within the rules" would be considered for contracts.
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