UK government strengthens measures against benefit fraud

The UK government will intensify efforts to combat benefit fraud, targeting individuals claiming Universal Credit, Employment Support Allowance, and Pension Credit. New legislation allows for direct deductions from bank accounts to recover overpayments. The Public Authorities (Fraud, Error, and Recovery) Act, which received Royal Assent today, grants the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) enhanced data-sharing capabilities with banks. This aims to verify eligibility and prevent fraudulent claims, with no personal spending data being accessed. This crackdown is part of a broader initiative to save £1.5 billion by 2030 through measures against fraud and error in the benefits system, aiming to redirect funds to those genuinely in need.