The DWP is cracking down on benefit fraud (Image: Connect Images/ Getty)

The Government has gained new powers to help crack down on benefit fraud . These include direct deductions from bank accounts and data being given to the DWP by banks.

Officials have emphasised that no personal information will be shared by the DWP. The Government will also not have access to people’s bank accounts or be able to see where people are spending their money .

These measures are now possible as the Public Authorities (Fraud, Error, and Recovery) Act has received Royal Assent today. The DWP will be able to save the taxpayer £1.5 billion by 2029/2030 by being given access to new data, modern tools and more powers to investigate fraud and recover money lost to benefit overpayments. This comes as

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