### New DWP Powers Allow Direct Bank Account Monitoring and Fund Withdrawal The UK Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has recently been granted new powers under the Public Authorities (Fraud, Error, and Recovery) Act, enabling officials to directly monitor bank accounts of benefit claimants. This initiative aims to combat benefit fraud and is expected to save the government approximately £1.5 billion by the fiscal year 2029/2030, as confirmed by the Office for Budget Responsibility. The DWP can now request banking information and, in certain cases, withdraw funds directly from individuals' accounts, raising concerns about privacy and the implications for those receiving benefits [https://www.plymouthherald.co.uk/news/cost-of-living/dwp-digital-checks-alert-bank-10689935][https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/lifestyle/money/new-dwp-powers-benefit-fraud-36343150]. ### Breakdown of DWP's New Powers and Their Implications 1. **Direct Bank Account Checks**: The DWP can now access banking information of Universal Credit and other benefit claimants to verify eligibility and detect fraud [https://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/cost-of-living/dwp-starts-bank-account-checks-32998978]. 2. **Withdrawal of Funds**: Officials have the authority to withdraw funds directly from bank accounts of individuals suspected of benefit fraud, which could include those receiving three specific benefits [https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/cost-of-living/dwp-take-money-directly-bank-32991821]. 3. **Crackdown on Fraud**: The DWP has announced a significant crackdown on benefit cheats, with potential consequences including direct deductions from bank accounts and even the loss of driving licenses for offenders [https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/uk-news/dwp-take-money-directly-bank-32991271]. 4. **Public Concerns**: There are growing fears regarding the implications of these powers, particularly concerning privacy and the potential for misuse of data by the DWP [https://britishbulletin.com/fears-mount-as-labour-can-access-bank-details-and-take-money-under-new-dwp-powers]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Financial Impact**: The DWP's new measures are projected to save the government £1.5 billion by 2029/2030, as certified by the Office for Budget Responsibility [https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/lifestyle/money/new-dwp-powers-benefit-fraud-36343150]. - **Scope of Monitoring**: Millions of benefit claimants will have their bank details checked as part of this initiative, indicating a broad reach of the DWP's new powers [https://www.mirror.co.uk/money/dwp-confirms-3-groups-money-36340531]. - **Legislative Backing**: The new powers are backed by the Public Authorities (Fraud, Error, and Recovery) Act, which allows for enhanced verification processes for benefit eligibility [https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/cost-of-living/dwp-confirms-3-groups-money-32987741]. ### Summary of Findings In summary, the DWP's new powers to monitor bank accounts and withdraw funds directly from benefit claimants represent a significant shift in the approach to tackling benefit fraud. 1. **Direct Access**: The DWP can now directly check bank accounts and withdraw funds from those suspected of fraud. 2. **Financial Savings**: The initiative is expected to save the government £1.5 billion by 2029/2030. 3. **Broad Impact**: Millions of claimants will be affected, raising concerns about privacy and data security. 4. **Legislative Support**: These measures are supported by new legislation aimed at reducing fraud and ensuring the integrity of the benefits system. The implications of these changes are profound, potentially affecting the lives of many individuals reliant on government support [https://www.plymouthherald.co.uk/news/cost-of-living/dwp-digital-checks-alert-bank-10689935][https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/lifestyle/money/new-dwp-powers-benefit-fraud-36343150].