The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has been given new powers to tackle fraud – and it could even contact a suspect’s family members as part of its investigations
The Department for Work and Pensions ( DWP ) has initiated a massive crackdown on benefit fraud, which could involve contacting the family members of suspects as part of its investigations.
In addition to bank account checks, benefit claimants should be prepared for the possibility of their family members being contacted. A DWP spokesperson stated: “Our information gathering powers have been in place for many years and are only used where there is a suspicion of fraud.
“This measure will modernise those powers, bringing them into the 21st century and expanding them to include all types of DWP-led investigations.”
Under the new measures, the DWP can reach out to “any relevant third-party information holder” unless the information is exempt. This update comes as the DWP provided an update on the Christmas bonus and explained why Universal Credit claimants are not eligible.
Regarding fraud, the department clarified that information requests can be issued “to a family member of a suspect” if there is information suggesting that this relative may “explicitly or unknowingly” be connected to the fraud investigation. The new powers will be subject to various safeguards, including an Independent Reviewer and the remit of the Independent Office of Police Conduct, reports Chronicle Live.
Justice explained: “We have highlighted issues with the IOPC’s capacity, and stressed the need for the Independent Reviewer to have the requisite powers, funding and remit to effectively hold the DWP and PSFA to account.”
They added: “The Bill creates new intrusive state investigatory powers to tackle fraud, empowering both the existing DWP (Department for Work and Pensions) Fraud department, and creating a new ‘Public Sector Fraud Authority’.
“Powers include entry, search and seizure powers when there is a reasonable suspicion of fraud, the reasonable use of force in the exercise of those powers (DWP only) and a power to demand financial information from banks about benefits recipients’ accounts, even when there is no suspicion of wrongdoing.”
The pandemic witnessed a substantial rise in fraudulent activity. The DWP stated previously: “We prioritised getting money to millions of people who needed it as part of our emergency response.
“Regrettably, as we saw across government and internationally, some individuals and groups – both organised and opportunistic – sought to exploit the situation and the accelerated processes for accessing help that were temporarily in place.”
According to the Government, benefit fraud occurs when someone deliberately claims benefits they are not entitled to receive.
This includes failing to report changes in circumstances or supplying false information. If you are suspected of fraudulent activity, you will be contacted by the DWP, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), Defence Business Services or your local authority.
During the investigation, your benefits may be temporarily halted. You will receive a letter notifying you if this occurs. You may also be visited by Fraud Investigation Officers (FIOs) or asked to attend an ‘interview under caution’ to discuss your claim.
The FIOs will collect information about your case and decide on any further action.
If you have committed or attempted fraud, one or more of the following may occur:
- you’ll be told to pay back the overpaid money
- you may be taken to court or asked to pay a penalty (between £350 and £5,000)
- your benefits may be reduced or stopped
If you are convicted of benefit fraud, your benefits can be reduced or stopped for up to three years. The duration of the stoppage depends on the number of times you have committed fraud.
Only certain benefits, known as ‘sanctionable benefits’, can be reduced or stopped. However, if you commit fraud on a benefit that cannot be reduced or stopped, your other benefits may be reduced instead.
