Andy Burnham and John Healey tough new Universal Credit rules from October

NewsCost Of LivingDWPThe Government has defended the new measures09:29, 06 Aug 2026Controversial new rules targeting benefit households are being launched by the Government from October.‌It will allow DWP officials to check details and make direct withdrawals from bank accounts.‌The department is writing to certain Universal Credit households warning them of the looming action.‌READ MORE: PIP conditions with most accepted claims ahead of Andy Burnham 'cuts'Get breaking news on BirminghamLive WhatsAppIt's part of a crackdown aimed at stopping benefit fraud and recovering debt.‌Banks will be forced to hand over account information to the Government.Officials will even be able to take money directly out of bank accounts.This could happen where there is suspicion of fraud or wrongful payments.