The DWP is cracking down on benefits fraud, potentially banning offenders from driving if they owe over £1,000
London: So, the UK is stepping up its game against benefits fraud. The Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) is looking to ban people from driving if they cheat the system. If you owe more than £1,000, you could lose your driving license for up to two years. That’s a pretty big deal!
They found out that around £35 billion in benefits went to folks who didn’t really deserve it. Sir Keir Starmer has been vocal about wanting a “zero tolerance” approach to this issue, especially with the welfare bill climbing.
Liz Kendall, the work and pensions minister, said they’re serious about stopping fraudsters from taking money that should go to honest taxpayers. They’re even talking about removing driving licenses as a last resort for the worst offenders.
There’s also a new bill coming in that will let the government take money directly from the bank accounts of those who owe. Plus, organized crime investigators will team up with police to search homes and seize expensive items as evidence.
The DWP is promising to train staff properly on how to use these new powers. They want to make sure everything is done fairly and safely. This is all part of their commitment to protect taxpayers’ money and crack down on fraud in public services.
Interestingly, Labour is still on board with cutting the welfare bill by £3 billion over five years. But Sir Keir is careful not to label people as “shirkers,” which is a nod to the past Conservative approach.
On the flip side, the Tories are saying this is just a distraction from their own issues. Helen Whately, the shadow work and pensions secretary, thinks the chancellor is just trying to find savings ahead of a potential mini-budget.
