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Lie detectors for benefit claims Lie detectors for benefit claims
(about 3 hours later)
Voice-recognition lie detectors are to be used by two Welsh councils in an attempt to crack down on benefit fraud.Voice-recognition lie detectors are to be used by two Welsh councils in an attempt to crack down on benefit fraud.
People in Flintshire and the Vale of Glamorgan on housing and council tax support will have their speech patterns analysed when claims are reviewed.People in Flintshire and the Vale of Glamorgan on housing and council tax support will have their speech patterns analysed when claims are reviewed.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is piloting the 12-month scheme in 18 local authorities across England and Wales.The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is piloting the 12-month scheme in 18 local authorities across England and Wales.
However, some critics claim it could deter genuine claimants.However, some critics claim it could deter genuine claimants.
Benefits cheats cost the UK taxpayer an estimated £400m a year.Benefits cheats cost the UK taxpayer an estimated £400m a year.
A pilot scheme was initially introduced among seven English councils, but has been extended and includes Wales for the first time.A pilot scheme was initially introduced among seven English councils, but has been extended and includes Wales for the first time.
Anyone who is subject to a lie detector test will feel a certain amount of anxiety Hywel Williams MPAnyone who is subject to a lie detector test will feel a certain amount of anxiety Hywel Williams MP
Details were announced as part of the Welfare Reform Bill during the Queen's Speech on Wednesday.Details were announced as part of the Welfare Reform Bill during the Queen's Speech on Wednesday.
The software is designed to detect any unusual patterns or changes in claimants' voices and alerts staff if further investigation is needed.The software is designed to detect any unusual patterns or changes in claimants' voices and alerts staff if further investigation is needed.
The DWP said the scheme would be evaluated after 12 months before any decision was made on whether to extend it further.The DWP said the scheme would be evaluated after 12 months before any decision was made on whether to extend it further.
Caernarfon MP Hywel Williams is among the scheme's critics.Caernarfon MP Hywel Williams is among the scheme's critics.
He said: "I am in favour of effective action to prevent benefit fraud but I fear that lie detector tests would intimidate people who have a genuine claim.He said: "I am in favour of effective action to prevent benefit fraud but I fear that lie detector tests would intimidate people who have a genuine claim.
"Anyone who is subject to a lie detector test will feel a certain amount of anxiety. People will know they are likely to be tested, but won't necessarily know what it entails, and that's bound to raise anxiety.""Anyone who is subject to a lie detector test will feel a certain amount of anxiety. People will know they are likely to be tested, but won't necessarily know what it entails, and that's bound to raise anxiety."
Vale of Glamorgan and Flintshire councils have been asked to comment. 'Endless form-filling'
Alyn Lewis, Flintshire's head of financial customer services, said: "This new process, on trial, is not about refusing benefit or intimidating customers, it's actually about simplifying the process, reducing endless form filling and supporting documentation required.
"Our aim is to ensure that the right benefit is paid, to the right person, in the right time frame.
"We have been encouraged by the public reaction to the new system, and the positive feedback received."
Vale of Glamorgan council has been asked to comment.