DWP to check bank accounts of people who don't claim benefits in crackdown on fraud
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is ready to implement bank account checks on individuals not receiving benefits, utilising new powers bestowed by the previous Labour government aimed at combatting benefit fraud.
According to Birmingham Live, the DWP has disclosed that its serious organised crime investigators will soon be able to ask courts for search warrants, allowing them to assist in police searches of premises and seize items such as computers and smartphones as part of their evidence collection against those committing fraud.
The department elaborated: "DWP will also have the power to recover money directly from bank accounts of those not on benefits or in PAYE employment who owe the Department and refuse to pay up, despite having the means to do so."
READ MORE: Duo targeted new build homes across North East and North Yorkshire in £100,000 crime spree
READ MORE: REGIONAL NEWS: Murderer who killed girlfriend's uncle found dead in prison cell
Speaking to Sky News, Employment Minister Alison McGovern provided further insight: "At the moment we can get money back through the benefits system – if people are claiming Universal Credit or other things – we can get money back through PAYE, through HMRC."
She continued: "But for some people, if they're really determined not to give that money back, and they're not on benefits or on PAYE, then we need the ability to take that money from bank accounts. And finally, if they really still are so determined that they won't give the money back we will apply to the courts to disqualify them from driving."
"That's a power that already exists in the Child Maintenance Service, so we know it works", reports Leeds Live.
These new powers will be introduced through Schedule 6 of the Public Authorities (Fraud, Error and Recovery) Bill. This part of the bill enables the Government to ask the court to disqualify someone from driving. The courts may also choose to suspend driving licences if they are satisfied that "the liable person has, without reasonable excuse, not paid the recoverable amount."
Go here for more what's on updates, news and reviews from around Teesside