Research into the first phase of the Fraud and Error Reduction Incentive Scheme (FERIS1)

This document describes an evaluation of the effectiveness of the Fraud and Error Reduction Incentive Scheme (FERIS1), which was designed to decrease fraud and error in Housing Benefit claims across England, Scotland, and Wales. The evaluation, conducted by IFF Research for the Department for Work and Pensions, utilized online surveys, case studies, and round table discussions to assess the scheme's impact. FERIS1, which included a Performance Improvement Fund and incentive payments, led to various anti-fraud activities with mixed success across local authorities. While some authorities reported positive financial outcomes and a reduction in fraud and error, others experienced limited benefits or challenges due to resource constraints and difficulties in impact forecasting. The evaluation revealed that the scheme encouraged anti-fraud activities, but also highlighted the need for modifications in future iterations. The research findings, based on responses from a 62% sample of local authorities, informed the development of subsequent phases of FERIS and its successor initiative. **This summary was written by an AI model and therefore should not be considered a definitive summary of the report. If you are aware of inaccuracies, please email evaluation.registry@cabinetoffice.gov.uk.**

Description

• Lead department: Department for Work and Pensions
• Evaluation stage: A complete evaluation report
• Other departments: No other departments listed
• Evaluation types: Impact evaluation; Process evaluation
• Impact methods: Theory-based methods
• Theory-based methods: Other
• Process methods: Case studies; Other; Surveys and polling
• Grant information: This intervention is not distributing funding via a grant
• Government Major Project information: This intervention is not a major project
• Policies: No policies provided

Event Dates

• Event Name: Publication of final results
• Event date: September 2017

Evaluation Costs

• Cost: Not provided

Evaluation sharing

• Link(s) to published report(s): Yes
• Links to evaluation plans: No link provided
• Findings: Not provided
• Permission to share confirmed: Yes