Crackdown on child benefit claims from abroad after £17m saved

The UK government is tightening the rules for child benefit claims from abroad, following a successful pilot program that saved £17 million. The new measures aim to crack down on fraudulent claims and reduce the overall cost to taxpayers. Under the updated regulations, claimants will be required to provide more evidence of their child's residency in the UK, including documentary proof and regular welfare checks. This is expected to save the government £350 million over the next five years. The government's decision to implement these changes comes amid concerns over the growing number of child benefit claims from individuals residing outside the UK. The pilot program, which was launched in 2020, helped identify and prevent fraudulent claims, leading to the implementation of the new, more stringent requirements. The move is part of the government's broader efforts to ensure the child benefit system is being used as intended and to safeguard public funds from abuse.