DWP announces date bank account checks on benefit claimants will start in 2025

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued a NEW update over its plans to crackdown on fraud and error in the benefits system. The DWP is clamping down on fraud and benefit cheats due to losing MILLIONS to con artists amid the Covid crisis.

The new Fraud, Error and Debt Bill is due to come before Parliament “early in the new year”, DWP Minister Andrew Western has said. It comes as AI tools will be used to detect fraud and error within the benefits system in an effort to crackdown on criminality.

But despite the use of tech, “the final decision on whether someone receives a welfare payment is always made by a human”, Mr western has said. Work and Pensions Committee Chair Debbie Abrahams (Labour) highlighted how a recent Freedom of Information (FOI) request “indicates that AI tools used to detect DWP fraud are biased and disproportionately discriminate against people by age, disability, marital status and nationality”

READ MORE People on DLA warned they will have to 'wait 10 months' for payment

The Oldham East and Saddleworth MP asked: “What assurances can the Minister give that the procurement and use of such tools will be covered by strict governance standards, including tests for fairness?”

In response, Mr Western said: “We face a significant challenge, with fraud and error costing the Department almost £10 billion a year. It is right that we look to utilise all available tools to tackle it. However, I understand her concerns, although I would remind her that the final decision on whether someone receives a welfare payment is always made by a human.

“That is the most robust safeguard that we can have in place - although of course it sits alongside a broader suite.” Labour/Co-op MP Sally Jameson referenced the £35bn loss to fraud and error since the pandemic and asked if the DWP could “outline the plans and the timeline for recouping that money?”

Mr Western responded: “The Fraud, Error and Debt Bill is due to come to the House early in the new year. This Government are serious about tackling fraud; it is just a shame that we inherited the mess we did.”