Ministers are set to introduce new laws aimed at recouping cash directly from bank accounts in incidents of benefit fraud, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has disclosed. The proposed legislation would give authorities new powers to recover monies from individuals guilty of fraud who are not receiving benefits or within the PAYE scheme.
Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall has asserted that these impending regulations will “make sure” those attempting to “seek to cheat” the social welfare system are held to account.
The Government sees these measures as a final step, allowing for the reclamation of debts from those able to pay but refusing to do so. The DWP has guaranteed safeguards and monitoring, with personnel being adeptly trained to apply these new powers judiciously, reports the Mirror.
Liz Kendall, secretary of state for work and pensions, expressed: “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 to catch you out and make sure you are held accountable.
“We will also introduce new powers to minimise overpayments to benefit claimants so that hardworking families up and down the country know their money is being protected.”
The Tories have denounced the announcement as a diversionary tactic by the Government amid a wave of unfavourable media coverage.
Helen Whately, the shadow work and pensions secretary, stated: “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.”