The DWP is set to access data from banks to tackle benefit fraud and ensure accountability for claimants
London: The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is stepping up its game against benefit fraud. They’re planning to tap into data from 15 banks to help catch those who might be cheating the system. The goal? To recover overpaid benefits and keep things fair for everyone.
Liz Kendall from Labour is all in on this. She’s made it clear that the government won’t stand for fraud in the welfare system. They want to modernize it and make it work better for today’s world. She believes the public expects this kind of action, and they’re ready to deliver.
Kendall also mentioned that they’re looking to introduce more measures to cut down on overpayments. This is all about protecting the hard-earned money of taxpayers. A financial crime expert, Ben Fleming, thinks these new powers could be in play within the next year, as stopping fraud is a big priority for the government.
With these new powers, banks will be able to check if someone claiming benefits has savings that go beyond the allowed limits. They’ll also be on the lookout for any overseas transactions that might hint at extended trips abroad, especially for those whose benefits don’t cover such travel.
Fleming stressed the importance of clear communication. If a claimant’s account raises any flags, they should be informed right away and given a simple explanation of what’s happening. It’s crucial that any investigation starts with a conversation, allowing claimants to clarify any odd transactions before things escalate.
And just so you know, the 15 banks involved in these new DWP checks are listed alphabetically, along with the number of staff they have on board.
