The DWP is getting major new anti-fraud powers (Image: Getty)

Sweeping new DWP anti-fraud powers have become the law of the land this afternoon. A bill to clamp down on fraud and error in the benefits system has been given the green light. The new laws include powers for investigators to directly withdraw an amount from a person's bank account.

The Public Authorities (Fraud, Error, and Recovery) Act received royal assent in the House of Lords this afternoon. Officials are also getting new powers to request banking information for millions of benefit claimants, to check they are eligible for their payments. The DWP said the direct deduction powers will be used to target "benefit cheats, fraudsters and debtors who can afford to repay but refuse".

The new legislation even grants authorit

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