DWP set to launch bank account checks on people 'who don't claim benefits'

DWP has been handed new powers from the new Labour Party government under a benefit fraud clampdown.
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The Department for Work and Pensions is set to launch bank account checks on people who DON'T claim benefits under new powers. The DWP has been handed new powers from the new Labour Party government under a benefit fraud clampdown.

“DWP’s serious organised crime investigators are also expected to be handed powers to apply to a court for search warrants," the DWP has said. “It means that for the first time, they will be able to support Police and search premises and seize items such as computers and smartphones as evidence against fraudsters."

The benefits department added: “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."

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Employment minister Alison McGovern told Sky News: “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.

“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.

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"That’s a power that already exists in the Child Maintenance Service, so we know it works." Powers will be introduced through Schedule 6 of the Public Authorities (Fraud, Error and Recovery) Bill. That section gives the Government the power to apply to the court to disqualify someone from driving.

Courts can also grant driving licence suspensions if it is satisfied that “the liable person has has, without reasonable excuse, not paid the recoverable amount.”