An HMRC spokesman said more staff were in place to tackle error and fraud than ever before and that HMRC had have "massively expanded" the number of checks it carries out.

BBC: Margaret Hodge tells HMRC to 'get a grip' on tax credit fraud

This cutting edge forensic technology is at work today to detect and prevent fraud and error before it happens.

WHITEHOUSE: Moving Aggressively on Improper Payments

The government has set itself tough targets for reducing fraud and error: 25% by 2004, 50% by 2006.

ECONOMIST: Benefits fraud