People in Bradford are being encouraged to take part in a national drive to tackle benefit fraud which is costing UK taxpayers £1.6 billion a year.

For the first time Crimestoppers is being used to enable people to anonymously report suspicions about people committing fraud as it was revealed that it costs each person £765 per year.

The crackdown, which involves pilot schemes in the Leeds, Manchester and Glasgow, is based on research provided by the Department of Work and Pensions. Up to £1.2 billion is lost on benefit fraud and £400 million lost on tax credits being gained dishonestly.

Dave Hunter, regional manager for Yorkshire and Humberside, said all those claiming benefit fraud unlawfully were committing a criminal act.

See Monday's T&A for the full story