View Image

Restrictions have been imposed on a DWP fraud crackdown after some of the new powers were slammed as "nonsensical" and "wholly wrong." The House of Lords has moved to amend legislation so that officials are explicitly limited to using force against property - such as locked filing cabinets - and not against people.

The House of Lords backed the motion by 212 to 144 to specifically limit the new measures. Serious concerns were voiced about a proposal to grant DWP officers the power to use reasonable force when entering premises, conducting searches and seizing evidence.

Former Brexit MEP and crossbench peer Baroness Fox of Buckley warned: "For them to have that power of physical force aimed at those people on benefits seems wholly wrong and morally dubious."

READ MORE:

D

See Full Page