DWP plans driving bans for welfare fraud offenders

The UK government is set to introduce a new Fraud, Error and Recovery Bill aimed at cracking down on benefit fraud, which includes measures such as banning individuals from driving for up to two years if they owe more than £1,000 in welfare debts and refuse to repay. Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall emphasized that these measures are intended to recover £1.5 billion over the next five years and to deter fraudsters who 'cheat the system.' The Department for Work and Pensions will gain the authority to directly recover funds from the bank accounts of suspected fraudsters and conduct property searches with police assistance. The proposals have raised concerns from privacy advocates, with over 270,000 people signing a petition against them, although a YouGov survey indicated some public support. The government assures that new safeguards and oversight will accompany these powers to ensure they are used responsibly. This legislation marks one of the most significant reforms to the welfare system in recent years, as the government aims to address the escalating welfare budget.