DWP Plans Monthly Bank Checks to Crack Down on Benefit Fraud
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is eyeing a major shake-up to stop post-COVID benefit fraud. The plan? To check benefit claimants’ bank accounts monthly—potentially clawing back a staggering £500 million over five years.
New Rules Could Hit Universal Credit Recipients
Currently, the DWP must ask banks for account info only when fraud is suspected. But the reform could force banks to run weekly or monthly data checks, flagging any “risk” of fraud straight to the government.
A source told us, “Every pound stolen by fraudsters could be spent on our public services or on those most in need. It’s profoundly wrong that cheats aren’t playing by the rules. We are determined to bring fairness for the taxpayer.”
How the Checks Would Work
- Universal Credit claimants must have less than £16,000 in savings and investments.
- If accounts show higher balances, the DWP could be alerted.
- Frequent international transfers may also trigger suspicion.
DWP Vows to Ramp Up Fraud Crackdown
A DWP spokesperson said, “We are already cracking down on those who try to exploit the welfare system in a push to save taxpayers £1.3 billion in the next year. Our Fighting Fraud plan will deploy trained specialists to review millions of Universal Credit claims and boost frontline counter-fraud efforts.”
If the plan goes ahead, it could revolutionise how benefits are monitored and ensure public money goes only to those who truly need it.
