Dwp to announce new laws that will allow it to take money out of bank accounts

THE NEW LEGISLATION WILL ALLOW THE DEPARTMENT OF WORK AND PENSIONS (DWP) TO TARGET FRAUDSTERS AND CRIMINALS, ALTHOUGH THE MOVE HAS COME UNDER FIRE BY THE TORIES 03:17, 22 Jan 2025Updated

07:52, 22 Jan 2025 The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is introducing tough new laws to claw back cash directly from bank accounts in cases of benefit fraud. Under the proposed

legislation, authorities will gain fresh powers to recover money from individuals found guilty of fraud, even if they’re not currently on benefits or within the PAYE (Pay As You Earn)

system. The move is part of a Government crackdown to hold fraudsters accountable and recoup funds owed to the welfare system. Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall said the new measures

would ensure those who “cheat” the system are brought to justice. She added: “This Government will not tolerate fraud and waste in the welfare system as we make it fit for the 21st century

as part of our plan for change. The public expects this of us, and we are delivering for them. “People who seek to cheat the system should know our new powers will help us catch you out and

make sure you are held accountable.” Article continues below The DWP says these powers will be used as a last resort, targeting individuals who are financially able but refuse to repay what

they owe. Safeguards and monitoring will be in place, with staff receiving specialised training to apply the new rules responsibly. Kendall also announced that the Government plans to

introduce additional measures to prevent overpayments to benefit claimants, reassuring taxpayers their contributions are being protected. Article continues below The Conservative opposition

has slammed the announcement, dismissing it as a ploy to divert attention from what they view as the Government’s recent missteps. Helen Whately, the Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary,

accused the Chancellor Rachel Reeves of scrambling to find savings. She said: “The Chancellor is clearly desperate to find any savings ahead of what may in fact be a mini-budget because she

needs to repair the damage she has inflicted with her disastrous budget last year.”