DWP bank account checks for people on four benefits and it's not PIP

The new Public Authorities (Fraud, Error & Recovery) Bill has brought in measures to be tough on criminals and fairer to taxpayers.
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Four benefits will be targeted by Department for Work and Pensions ( DWP ) bank account checks - and Personal Independence Payment isn't included. The new Public Authorities (Fraud, Error & Recovery) Bill has brought in measures to be tough on criminals and fairer to taxpayers.

Clyde&Co warned the measures will likely be deployed with a focus on Universal Credit, the most-claimed benefit, as well as other benefits linked to employment like Jobseeker’s Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance, and Housing Benefit.

Under the powers, the DWP will be able to apply to the court to suspend people from driving for up to two years, if the debt they owe is £1,000 or over and they repeatedly refuse to repay the money. This will be used against people who have ignored requests from the DWP.

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There will be new requirements for banks and building societies to flag where there is a potential breach of eligibility rules for benefits. The idea is that this would prevent debts from accruing and people having to owe money back to the DWP, too.

DWP organised crime investigators will be given new powers to apply to a court for search warrants. It means they will be able to support police and search premises and seize items such as computers and smartphones as evidence against fraudsters.

Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Liz Kendall, said: "We are turning off the tap to criminals who cheat the system and steal law-abiding taxpayers’ money. This means greater consequences for fraudsters who cheat and evade the system, including as a last resort in the most serious cases removing their driving licence. Backed up by new and important safeguards including reporting mechanisms and independent oversight to ensure the powers are used proportionately and safely."

The Labour MP said: “People need to have confidence the Government is opening all available doors to tackle fraud and eliminate waste, as we continue the most ambitious programme for government in a generation – with a laser-like focus on outcomes which will make the biggest difference to their lives as part of our Plan for Change.”