Benefit fraud losses in Northern Ireland fell by more than £60 million in the past year, according to figures released by the Department for Communities. The data shows fraud dropped from £233 million in 2024 to £170.9 million in 2025, representing 1.7% of total benefit expenditure compared to 2.5% the previous year.

The reduction follows the reintroduction of a policy to publicly name individuals convicted of benefit fraud. The practice had been halted in 2020 under a previous minister but was reinstated last year by Communities Minister Gordon Lyons. Convictions for benefit fraud rose from 47 to 60 over the same period.

Lyons described the drop as evidence that his zero-tolerance approach is working. He said fraud is not a victimless crime and that those who cheat the system take support from families, friends and neighbours who need it most. He acknowledged that fraud levels remain too high and warned against complacency.

Public referrals of suspected fraud increased by 25% compared to the previous year. Lyons stressed that continued investment in counter-fraud activity is essential to sustain the downward trend.

The minister disclosed that discussions are ongoing with HM Treasury about sharing savings from tackling fraud and error with the Northern Ireland Executive. Lyons claimed that Sinn Féin blocked a proposal to allow Stormont to retain 50% of recovered savings. He said he will continue to seek Executive support for investment that would allow savings to be reinvested into programmes supporting people with disabilities or health conditions who face barriers to employment.