The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is launching a significant new crackdown on benefit fraud, which will see officials contacting claimants' family members as part of enhanced investigations.
Expanded Investigatory Powers
Under new anti-fraud measures, the DWP will utilise powers to contact any relevant third-party information holder, including the relatives of those suspected of benefit fraud. A DWP spokesperson clarified that these information requests can be issued to a family member if evidence suggests they may be explicitly or unknowingly connected to a case under investigation.
The department emphasised that these information gathering powers have been in place for many years but are being modernised for the 21st century. They will now support all types of DWP-led investigations, operating alongside recently introduced bank account checks.
Safeguards and New Authority
These new, intrusive powers are not without oversight. The department confirmed the measures will be subject to various safeguards, including review by an Independent Reviewer and falling under the remit of the Independent Office of Police Conduct (IOPC).
However, concerns have been highlighted regarding the IOPC's capacity. Justice organisations have stressed the necessity for the Independent Reviewer to possess sufficient power, funding, and authority to effectively hold the DWP and the newly created Public Sector Fraud Authority (PSFA) accountable.
The legislative bill empowers investigators with entry, search, and seizure powers where there is reasonable suspicion of fraud. For the DWP specifically, this includes the reasonable use of force when exercising these powers.
Context: A Ballooning Welfare Bill
This crackdown comes as the new Labour Party government contends with a ballooning welfare bill. The DWP attributes a significant increase in fraud to the pandemic period, stating that while the priority was rightly on getting money to millions quickly, the accelerated processes were exploited by some.
The department stated previously: "Regrettably, as we saw across government and internationally, some individuals and groups – both organised and opportunistic – sought to exploit the situation." The new powers represent a concerted effort to weed out this fraud and error within the system.
