STORY
The Department for Work and Pensions has brought new powers into force allowing stronger action against people who refuse to repay benefit debts after leaving the benefits system. The measures include the possible use of driving bans and direct deductions from bank accounts where debts remain unpaid.
The Government said updated letters would begin going out to debtors from today, warning them to contact the department and arrange repayment. Ministers said the powers are part of wider work to recover money lost through fraud, error and debt.
The DWP has said the measures form part of a programme intended to deliver £14.6 billion in savings over five years from fraud, error and debt activity. The department has presented the powers as a way to pursue people who can pay but refuse to do so, rather than those unable to meet repayment demands.