Rachel Reeves MP, Labour’s Shadow Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, commenting on the publication of new government figures on fraud and error in the benefits system, said:

“David Cameron and Iain Duncan Smith have repeatedly promised to cut fraud and error in the social security system, yet the latest government figures show the value of overpayments by the DWP rising, not falling, on their watch.

"Some £3.5 billion has been overpaid in benefits in the last year and millions have been written off on their flagship welfare reform, Universal Credit.

“It’s time for them to get a grip.”