DWP benefit claimants driving licence suspension powers, Digi Mart USA News (United Kingdom): The Department for Work and Pensions is set to begin using new powers to revoke the driving licences of benefit claimants from November. The government department now has the authority to remove benefit recipients from the roads as part of a sweeping crackdown on benefit fraud and debt.
Officials have been granted wide-ranging new powers to recover funds. The controversial measures came into force in October, enabling officials to examine bank accounts and even make direct withdrawals, with banks obliged to comply with DWP requests for information.
Authorities will scrutinise details such as the amount held in savings or any additional income that has not been declared. They can also suspend the driving licences of those who are not engaging with the process or repaying what they owe.
Banks will be directed to identify benefit claimants who may have concealed or undeclared savings, a significant factor in benefit fraud cases in which individuals have more money tucked away than they disclose when making a claim. The DWP is also seeking to identify claimants who have spent longer abroad than regulations permit while continuing to receive benefits.
The powers apply to claimants of Universal Credit, Pension Credit and Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).
Minister for Innovation, Fraud and Debt Lilian Greenwood said: “Benefit fraudsters should be looking over their shoulder. These new powers will help us crack down on those who deliberately abuse the system, while ensuring people receive the right support at the right time.
“We are not interested in where people do their weekly shop or how much they’re spending on new clothes. Banks will simply be asked to identify if somebody may no longer meet the rules for the benefits they receive, allowing us to investigate further where necessary.
“With £1.2 billion in savings expected by 2030/31, this is a major step forward in tackling fraud and error, protecting public money and ensuring support goes to those who genuinely need it.”
