DWP to enter individual, joint, business bank accounts from October in crackdown

NewsCost Of LivingDWPThe powers mean DWP staff can send direct notices to banks10:18, 11 Aug 2026The Deparment for Work and Pensions is set to enter individual, joint and business bank accounts to take cash directly in a crackdown from October.‌The new powers from the DWP have been handed down by the Labour Party government, under the Public Authorities Fraud, Error and Recovery Act - or PAFER. The powers will see the benefits with the highest rate of fraud - Universal Credit, Pension Credit, and ESA - targeted first.‌The powers mean DWP staff can send direct notices to banks, asking them to hand over information on people they suspect of cheating the benefits and welfare system.‌READ MORE Andy Burnham council tax cut proposed for 19 million householdsOnce done, the DWP can enter bank acco