### New DWP Bill Set to Allow Bank Account Checks to Combat Fraud The UK government is moving forward with the Public Authorities (Fraud, Error and Recovery) Bill, which will empower the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to scrutinize the bank accounts of individuals claiming certain benefits. This initiative aims to reduce public sector fraud, error, and debt, with the DWP set to begin these checks in April 2026. The proposal has sparked concerns among some claimants regarding potential errors and privacy issues, as officials will have access to sensitive financial information [https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/uk-news/key-date-dwp-start-looking-32705670][https://www.mirror.co.uk/money/dwp-reveals-date-start-looking-36072925]. ### Structure of the DWP's New Initiative 1. **Implementation Timeline** - The DWP will start checking bank accounts from April 2026 [https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/exact-date-dwp-start-asking-36078720]. 2. **Targeted Benefits** - The checks will primarily affect individuals claiming three specific benefits [https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/cost-of-living/dwp-start-checking-bank-accounts-32702831]. 3. **Objectives of the Bill** - The main goal is to combat welfare fraud and reduce errors in benefit payments [https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/dwp-start-checking-bank-accounts-32686486]. 4. **Public Concerns** - There are significant concerns regarding the potential for mistakes and the implications for privacy, as the DWP will have access to personal financial data [https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/cost-of-living/concerns-over-universal-credit-bank-32681938]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Implementation Date**: April 2026 is the confirmed start date for the DWP's bank account checks [https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/uk-news/exact-date-dwp-start-checking-32672007]. - **Benefits Affected**: The checks will focus on three specific benefits, although the exact benefits have not been detailed in the articles [https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/uk-world-news/exact-date-dwp-begin-checking-10571700]. - **Public Sentiment**: Many claimants have expressed worries about the accuracy of the DWP's assessments and the potential for wrongful accusations of fraud [https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/money/exact-date-dwp-start-checking-32667898]. ### Summary of Findings 1. **New Legislation**: The DWP is set to implement the Public Authorities (Fraud, Error and Recovery) Bill, allowing for bank account checks starting April 2026. 2. **Targeted Benefits**: The initiative will focus on individuals receiving three specific benefits, aiming to reduce fraud and errors. 3. **Public Concerns**: There are significant worries about the accuracy of the DWP's checks and the implications for claimant privacy. 4. **Next Steps**: As the implementation date approaches, further clarification on the specific benefits affected and measures to protect claimant rights will be crucial. In conclusion, while the DWP's new powers aim to safeguard public funds, the potential for errors and privacy invasions raises important questions that need to be addressed as the rollout date approaches [https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/uk-news/key-date-dwp-start-looking-32705670][https://www.mirror.co.uk/money/dwp-reveals-date-start-looking-36072925].