Transforming debt recovery and blocking fraud in the Public Sector.

Debt levels in the UK are projected to rise, leading to increased demand for debt services and advice. Public sector organisations face this challenge amidst declining tax revenues and stagnant repayments for overpaid benefits and unpaid fines. Compounding these issues is the rapid industrialisation of fraud, which is becoming more sophisticated and widespread. As a result, public services are losing billions annually to fraud and error, placing immense strain on already stretched budgets. Figures from the Public Sector Fraud Authority 2023/24 delivery estimates that at least £33.3bn of taxpayers’ money is subject to fraud and error and state that “the more we can take action on this, the more we can reduce the cost of public services”.
 
At the same time, the public sector struggles to locate debtors who have disappeared to avoid repayment. With financial pressures mounting, these individuals often become unreachable, making debt recovery difficult. Addressing these challenges is crucial to safeguarding public funds while ensuring vulnerable people are treated fairly.
 
Government framework focused on Debt Resolution Services
 
To tackle fraud and trace lost debtors, the Crown Commercial Service (CCS) established the Debt Resolution Services (DRS) framework. The framework offers a consistent and integrated approach to debt resolution, aligning with the cross-government debt management strategy. It simplifies the process for public sector organisations to easily select approved suppliers for debt management and fraud prevention services, helping them digitally transform debtor tracing in a fair and affordable way, aiming to deliver value for money and tangible social value. Securing a spot on the DRS framework's approved supplier list for Data Solutions (Lot 2) was highly competitive, with only five expert suppliers selected.
 
GBG, global leaders in identity, fraud prevention, and compliance, is proud to be among the select few approved DRS suppliers. Trusted by over 250 UK government departments — including local councils, police, benefits, criminal justice, and health — we are committed to helping the public sector efficiently manage debt recovery fairly.
GBG has already secured several government contracts through the DRS framework, including work with the Department of Work and Pensions and HMRC, focusing on identifying, monitoring, and assessing potential living-together fraud within the Tax and Benefits system. These contracts drive value for money and fair outcomes for UK taxpayers.

Tracing public sector customers who have become difficult to contact as quickly as possible is a priority. This not only increases the chances of successful debt recovery but provides an opportunity for a customer to restructure their debt or receive financial support and advice.
 
Transforming debt recovery and fraud prevention with GBG
 
As a certified Digital Identity Service Provider, GBG delivers tailored solutions that empower government and public sector services to combat fraud, improve debt recovery, and trace gone away debtors. With over 30 years of experience partnering with public sector organisations, we lead the field in digital identity, supporting over 20,000 of the world’s most trusted brands.
 
GBG provides access to more than 350 global datasets, 8,500 types of global ID documents, and billions of identity insights. This extensive identity intelligence, integrated across our award-winning products— Verify, Prove, Protect, and Investigate — gives public sector organisations a comprehensive understanding of identities, citizens, and businesses – while protecting everyone against fraud and ensuring data privacy is upheld.

As the UK’s top solution for tracing and debt management, GBG Investigate empowers the public sector to fight crime, uncover fraud, and reconnect with missing individuals. It provides access to billions of data records and unmatched matching technology, linking millions of individuals. By searching various data points — such as last known address, mobile number, email, or landline —GBG Investigate helps build a comprehensive profile, enhancing your ability to accurately trace individuals.
 
Oxford City Council recently teamed up with GBG to prevent millions in fraud, enhance debt management, and boost income by tracing debtors for Council Tax and Right to Buy. This collaboration has enabled the reallocation of funds to crucial council services, including social housing.
 
By leveraging identity intelligence public sector organisations can ensure fair treatment for citizens and businesses, create sustainable debt repayment plans, and identify vulnerabilities to direct individuals to appropriate support services.
 
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“We support public sector organisations in their digital transformation of debt management and fraud prevention processes. By leveraging GBG’s extensive and continually expanding identity data resources, we ensure fairness, develop sustainable repayment plans, and identify vulnerabilities, connecting individuals with the support they need.”
Paul Daley Director for Public Sector Partnerships GBG