DWP date confirmed for bank 'monitoring' in list of tough new measures

TheUK Government is embarking on 'the biggest fraud crackdown in a generation' to slash losses within the welfare system. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) estimates that the Public Authorities (Fraud, Error and Recovery) Bill will generate savings of £1.5 billion for taxpayers over the coming five years.

New measures include driving bans of up to two years for benefit fraudsters who persistently refuse to repay outstanding debts, powers enabling the DWP to seize funds directly from offenders' bank accounts, and Eligibility Verification, allowing third-party bodies like banks to flag potentially fraudulent benefit applications.

A series of 11 newly published factsheets from the DWP, providing greater insight into how these measures will function securely with proper oversight, confirms the UK Government intends to introduce the proposed changes from April 2026, reports the Daily Record.

READ MORE: DWP paying up to £749.80 every month to people with stomach issues

READ MORE: RVHD2 virus UK outbreak warning as pet owners told 'protect your animals'

The factsheets also include information on safeguards, reporting mechanisms and supervision crafted to ensure the "appropriate, proportionate, and effective use of the powers." Official guidance states: "The Government will begin implementing the Bill measures from 2026.

"For the Eligibility Verification Measure, the Government will implement a 'test and learn' approach to ensure the new powers to tackle public sector fraud are being used proportionally and effectively. DWP and the Cabinet Office will continue to work with industry to implement the new measures, consult stakeholders on Codes of Practice and publish guidance."

The DWP will also gain powers to collect data from additional third-party organisations such as airlines to check whether individuals are receiving benefits from overseas, potentially violating eligibility requirements.

Eligibility Verification Measure

The DWP will not have direct access to the bank accounts of millions of people on means-tested benefits including Universal Credit, Pension Credit and Employment and Support Allowance.

The department will work alongside banks to pinpoint individuals who may have surpassed the eligibility thresholds for means-tested benefits, such as the £16,000 income limit for Universal Credit - and secure that information to subsequently examine that claimant to avoid potential overpayments and possible fraud cases.

The legislation only allows banks and other financial institutions to share restricted data and forbids the sharing of transaction data, which means the DWP will not be able to monitor how people on benefits spend their money.

Indeed, the factsheet outlines how banks and other financial institutions could face a penalty for sharing excessive information, such as transaction data.

It additionally states: "Any information shared through the Eligibility Verification Measure will not be shared on the presumption or suspicion that anyone is guilty of any offence."

New measures to combat fraud have been introduced by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). The new Bill aims to fulfil the UK Government's manifesto pledge to protect taxpayers' money, ensuring every pound is used wisely and effectively.

New DWP measures to combat fraud

The new Bill is designed to fulfil the UK Government's manifesto pledge to protect taxpayers' money.

• All the powers will include strong safeguards to ensure they are only used appropriately and proportionately - including new inspection and reporting mechanisms.
• DWP will have a clearly defined scope and clear limitations for the use of all the powers it is introducing, and staff will be trained to the highest possible standards.
• New powers of search and seizure - so DWP can control investigations into criminal gangs defrauding the taxpayer.
• Allowing DWP to recover debts from individuals no longer on benefits and not in PAYE employment who can pay money back but have avoided doing so.
• New requirements for banks and building societies to flag where there is an indication there may be a breach of eligibility rules for benefits - preventing debts accruing.

This Bill aims to empower the Public Sector Fraud Authority to:

• Use new powers of entry, search and seizure to reduce the burdens on the police in the most serious criminal investigations.
• Reduce fraud against the public sector by using its expertise to take action on behalf of other departments, against those who attack the public sector.
• Improve fraud management in future emergencies by creating specialist time limited powers to be used in crisis management situations - building on lessons learned during COVID-19.
• Better detect and prevent incorrect payments across the public sector through new information gathering and sharing powers.
• Improve the government’s ability to recover public money, through new debt recovery and enforcement powers.
• Use strong non-criminal sanctions and civil penalties to provide an alternative to criminal prosecution and to deter fraud.

The Public Sector Fraud Authority will adopt a 'test and learn' strategy with these powers, trialling various methods and expertise to determine the most effective way to combat public sector fraud.