UK DWP Gains Direct Bank Access for Debt Recovery

The UKs new legislation, the Public Authorities Fraud, Error, and Recovery Act, grants the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) the power to directly access and withdraw funds from individuals bank accounts. This measure targets those who owe money but evade repayment, previously only possible through benefit reductions or wage deductions. The DWP can also cancel driving licenses if recovery attempts fail. The act introduces a verification process for Universal Credit, Pension Credit, and Employment and Support Allowance, potentially expanding to other benefits. An independent overseer will monitor the use of these powers, and the DWPs information request capabilities during fraud investigations have been broadened. DNN | The Daily News Now! The world’s first global local news network. Every city. Every story. AI powered. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.