THE Benefit Agency's anti-fraud campaign 'Operation Spotlight' has now turned to Family Credit claimants.

Over 50 claims have been investigated with five referred for down rating or termination and four for further enquiries.

Dave Bowell, a member of the special team said: "To date, I estimate we have saved the taxpayer over £8,000 with further savings expected as the campaign progresses.

"An example of the kind of case we have come across is a woman who was claiming Family Credit of £60.50 per week.

"She had failed to declare that she had a partner living with her who was also in full time work. Her claim was terminated saving over £2,000.

"Family Credit is as much prone to abuse as any other benefit. The Agency is determined to stamp out fraud in all types of Social Security benefits.

"We will continue to target this area of investigation for the rest of the Spotlight campaign and beyond."

The overall savings from the Spotlight campaign, now in its fourth week, is estimated to be over £ million.

LAST week 'Operation Spotlight' targeted local taxi drivers.

Thirty five benefit claims were withdrawn, saving the taxpayer £84,000.

Social Security fraud investigators launched a two pronged attack on suspected cheats.

Home visits were made throughout the week to 50 people known to be holding current licences.

A total of 26 claims were withdrawn, saving the taxpayer £62,000.

On two evenings in the Boothstown area, spot checks were made on drivers on the road and on local ranks.

Out of 70 interviewed, nine were found to be claiming a benefit, saving a further £21,000.

Local Benefits Agency fraud manager, Bernard Mackowiak said: "Nearly 30% of those investigated withdrew their claims. This is well above the accepted national average of 10% for all types of benefit fraud.

"We will continue to target this area of investigation for the rest of the Spotlight campaign and beyond."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.