DWP says bank account checks will only be conducted on three benefits 'initially'
The Public Bill Committee has now completed its work and has reported the Bill with amendments to the House, and is no longer able to receive written evidence.
The Department for Work and Pensions says bank account checks will only be used on three benefits "initially". The Fraud, Error and Recovery Bill going through Parliament mentions that these checks will be used initially to check the details of those receiving Universal Credit, Pension Credit and Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).
The Bill is "a Bill to make provision about the prevention of fraud against public authorities and the making of erroneous payments by public authorities; about the recovery of money paid by public authorities as a result of fraud or error; and for connected purposes."
The Public Bill Committee has now completed its work and has reported the Bill with amendments to the House, and is no longer able to receive written evidence.
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The Bill is now due to have its report stage and third reading on Tuesday 29 April. Amendments can be made to the Bill at Report Stage. Amendments to be considered are selected by the Speaker.
Part 1 of the bill extends to England and Wales only and includes measures relating to the Public Sector Fraud Authority (PSFA). It would give the PSFA powers to investigate and recover fraud in any public authority.
It would also let them initiate or adopt public sector fraud investigations at the request of an affected public authority, compel information holders to provide information as part of a fraud investigation and request communications data from telecommunications operators.
It would also force them to recover fraud-related debt directly from individuals’ earnings or bank accounts, issue civil financial penalties and bring action against fraud within an extended timeframe of twelve years.
The Bill includes expanding the range of third parties the DWP can compel to provide information in support of criminal investigations and giving DWP investigators new powers to enter and search premises with a warrant and seize relevant material.
And it will allowthe DWP to recover debts from individuals not on benefits or in PAYE employment by direct deductions from their bank accounts without having to go to court.