Alongside bank account inspections, benefit recipients can expect their family members to be approached (Image: Dinar Bud via Getty Images)

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is set to contact the relatives of benefits recipients as part of a clampdown utilising anti-fraud measures. The DWP is working to eliminate benefit fraud and error, given the rising welfare costs under the new Labour Party administration.

Alongside bank account inspections , benefit recipients can expect their family members to be approached. A DWP representative said: "Our information gathering powers have been in place for many years and are only used where there is a suspicion of fraud.

"This measure will modernise those powers, bringing them into the 21st century and expanding them to include all

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