Andy Burnham new rules for Universal Credit and ESA households in October

NewsCost Of LivingUniversal CreditAffected claimants have been issued a two-month warning10:06, 13 Aug 2026The DWP is introducing tough new rules relating to Universal Credit and Employment Support Allowance (ESA) from October.‌Officials have begun writing to some claimants warning of the changes.‌They have also urged households to get in touch if they are in debt and owe money.‌READ MORE: Andy Burnham and John Healey 22 per cent charge for households with over £10,000 savingsGet breaking news on BirminghamLive WhatsAppNew powers will allow the DWP to check bank account details and withdraw cash directly from them.‌They will even have powers to suspend driving licences.The crackdown is aimed at stopping benefit fraud and recovering debt.The Government wants to encourage as many people to e