The DWP has issued a series of factsheets which lay bare when checks will begin.
08:52, 16 May 2025Updated 19:08, 16 May 2025
The DWP has issued a series of factsheets which lay bare when checks will begin.
The Department for Work and Pensions has announced when it will begin to “implement” bank account checks on claimants. The DWP has issued a series of factsheets which lay bare when checks will begin.
In a series of updates, the DWP has shed light on fears over bank account powers – with claimants set to see their accounts combed through for evidence of fraud under a major crackdown.
The benefits being targeted to begin with are those with the highest rates of fraud: Universal Credit, Pension Credit and Employment and Support Allowance, otherwise known as ESA, from the DWP.
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The DWP advised: “The Bill was introduced into the House of Commons on 22 January 2025. Further details on many policies in the Bill have been provided in the Bill’s explanatory notes and accompanying factsheets to this ‘Overview’.
“DWP and the PSFA will be developing Codes of Practice (“COP”), for relevant measures, which will be consulted on, seeking input from all stakeholders. The COP will inform the rules which government, third parties and industry must follow when the powers come into force.
“The Government will begin implementing the Bill measures from 2026.” 2026 is now just seven months away, starting in January, with the first month of next year possibly seeing a huge ramping up in eligibility and verifications.
“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 Bill introduces strong safeguards, reporting mechanisms and independent oversight, to ensure the powers contained in the Bill will be used fairly and effectively.
“These oversight measures will ensure DWP and the PSFA are delivering these measures proportionately and effectively in line with legislation and the Codes of Practice.”
The DWP have taken significant steps to crack down on fraud, including legislating for new powers and hiring thousands of staff to review Universal Credit claims for accuracy.
Labour is ploughing on with the updates after the Conservative Party initially announced the measures – to widespread dismay.