The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced plans to introduce more stringent checks on Personal Independence Payment (PIP) recipients. The changes will include closer scrutiny of bank account changes as part of efforts to reduce fraudulent claims.
The announcement follows a query raised by Conservative MP Sir John Hayes, who questioned the steps being taken to prevent fraudulent PIP applications. In response, DWP Under-Secretary Andrew Western confirmed that additional measures would soon be implemented.
New Measures to Tackle Fraud
The DWP will introduce:
- Enhanced identity and verification processes to stop fraudulent claims entering the system.
- Stricter checks when claimants update personal information, such as bank account details.
- Additional training for case managers and healthcare professionals to identify suspicious documents and red flags.
These changes align with the upcoming Fraud, Error and Debt Bill, which will provide a legal framework for further anti-fraud measures.
Expected Savings of £1.6 Billion
The government estimates that the new measures will save up to £1.6 billion over the next five years. The DWP aims to strengthen the integrity of the benefits’ system while ensuring that funds reach those who genuinely qualify.
PIP is a financial support scheme designed to assist individuals with disabilities or long-term health conditions who face difficulties with everyday tasks or mobility. For many claimants, these payments are vital in managing the additional costs associated with their health challenges.
Balancing Fraud Prevention and Support for Pip Claimants
While the measures are intended to reduce fraud and error, they raise concerns about the potential impact on legitimate claimants, particularly those who may experience payment delays or face prolonged verification processes.
The DWP has stated that the measures will be implemented with the support of fraud prevention experts and advanced data analysis tools. Full details of the legislation will be presented to Parliament in due course.
Summary of the measures:
| Measure Announced | Purpose | Estimated Savings |
|---|---|---|
| Enhanced identity verification | Prevent fraudulent claims at application | £1.6 billion over 5 years |
| Stricter checks on bank changes | Stop misuse of account information | |
| Increased training for professionals | Enable early detection of fraud | |
| Fraud, Error, and Debt Bill | Establish a legal anti-fraud framework |
Tightening controls is seen as necessary at a time when fraud and error pose significant concerns for public finances. For more information on how the department tackles fraud and error across all benefit streams can be found here:Â DWP annual report and accounts 2023 to 2024 (HTML) – GOV.UK
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Instead of picking on people who need the extra help, how about saving billions by deporting illegal immigrants immediately and deporting foreign nationals from prisons. That would bring rents down, make prisons safer from overcrowding. The working person is paying too much for foreign aid, and to keep illegal immigrants here. Charity begins at home! And as a disabled person who has to work to survive as PIP doesn’t cover my costs, I wonder how long before that is means tested too.