Signal Public sector fraud and error cost at least 33 billion pounds a year

Summary

The Public Sector Fraud Authority estimates that fraud and error cost the public sector at least 33 billion pounds a year, equal to 15p of every pound of taxpayer money. The report cites this figure as evidence of the wide negative impact of fraud and illicit finance on society. As a response, the Procurement Act 2023, in force since February 2025, strengthens action on public sector fraud and corruption by excluding suppliers that pose unacceptable risks from government procurement. The government has also appointed an Anti-Corruption Champion and promised an Anti-Corruption Strategy in 2025. The Economic Crime Plan 2, issued in 2023 and backed by the current government, sets out a comprehensive approach to economic crime and illicit finance.