The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has revealed when a significant clampdown on benefit fraudsters will begin. The new Public Authorities (Fraud, Error and Recovery) Bill will take effect from April 2026 and will grant the Government authority to reclaim funds directly from bank accounts of those found guilty of benefit fraud.

The DWP will be entitled to request bank statements from individuals under investigation, though it will not possess direct access to bank accounts. Fresh obligations will require banks and building societies to highlight potential breaches of benefit eligibility criteria.

The DWP will also gain the ability to seek court orders banning individuals from driving for up to two years, reports the Mirror . Officials anticipate the new measures will save taxpa

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