Ministers are set to introduce new laws aimed at reclaiming money directly from bank accounts in instances of benefit fraud. The Department for Work and Pensions has outlined proposals for enhanced authority to recover funds from those guilty of fraud who are not receiving benefits or within the PAYE system.
Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall has announced that the forthcoming legislation will ensure that individuals attempting to defraud the welfare system will face repercussions.
The Government is framing these powers as a measure of last resort, to be used only to recoup debts from those who have the means but choose not to pay. The DWP has committed to implementing safeguards and supervision, with personnel receiving training on the judicious application of these new powers.
Liz Kendall, the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, commented: "This Government will not tolerate fraud and waste in the welfare system as we make it fit for the 21st century as part of our plan for change. The public expects this of us, and we are delivering for them."
"People who seek to cheat the system should know, our new powers will help us to catch you out and make sure you are held accountable.", reports the Mirror.
"We will also introduce new powers to minimise overpayments to benefit claimants so that hardworking families up and down the country know their money is being protected."
The Conservatives have meanwhile attacked the announcement, claiming it is a diversionary tactic by the Government amid a wave of bad press. Helen Whately, the Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary, claimed: "The Chancellor is clearly desperate to find any savings ahead of what may in fact be a mini-budget because she needs to repair the damage she has inflicted with her disastrous budget last year."
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