Threatened auditor saved taxpayer pounds 4m
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A university admissions fraud detection unit whose pounds 175,000 annual government funding is under threat saved pounds 4m in false student award claims last year.
The verification unit at the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service is held up as a shining example of successful fraud-busting, in an Audit Commission report.
However, a Department for Education and Employment spokeswoman said yesterday that the department was still considering whether to maintain the annual grant.
The unit, employing three staff, uses a computer system to analyse thousands of university application forms. Last year it slashed the fraud detected in student awards to pounds 0.9m, from pounds 4.9m the previous year.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments