The purpose of this paper is to seek stakeholder views on the Government's proposals to reform the law of fraud.

In her foreword, Minister of State for the Criminal Justice System and Law Reform, Baroness Scotland QC states, ‘It is estimated that fraud costs the UK economy about £14 billion annually. If law enforcement agencies are to tackle the growing threat we all face from fraud, our existing law requires modernisation.’

This consultation is aimed at law enforcers, legal practitioners, business and all those interested in England and Wales. It will be also issued to stakeholders in Northern Ireland by the Northern Ireland Office.

Publication date: 17 May 2004

Closing date: 9 August 2004