DWP crackdown could see people banned from driving if welfare debts go unpaid

The UK government is introducing a fraud, error and debt bill through the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to combat welfare fraud. This legislation, expected to save taxpayers £1.5 billion over five years, will empower the DWP to disqualify individuals from driving if they owe over £1,000 in welfare debts and fail to repay after multiple requests. Additionally, the DWP can recover funds directly from bank accounts under specific guidelines. The bill emphasizes accountability and consequences for fraud, with ministerial assurances regarding proportional use of its powers.

The DWP's fraud, error and debt bill aims to save taxpayers £1.5 billion over five years by imposing penalties on persistent welfare fraud offenders.

Liz Kendall stated, 'We are turning off the tap to criminals who cheat the system and steal law abiding taxpayers' money', highlighting the focus on welfare fraud.

Read at www.theguardian.com