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DETAILS ON THE NEW POWERS BEING GRANTED TO THE DWP WILL BE PRESENTED TO PARLIAMENT ‘IN DUE COURSE’ 11:40, 06 Jun 2025 After DWP figures revealed £330million was lost to fraud and error in
the PIP system last year, the department has confirmed its commitment to tackling benefit cheats with a slew of new measures and powers. This also marked a staggering rise from £90million
the year before, according to the Daily Record. PIP offers two separate elements, each with two different rates depending on the type of disability and the level of assistance recipients
need. The lowest amount people can get is £29.20 per week, while the highest sits at £749 per month. When questioned by Conservative MP Sir John Hayes about the steps being taken to do such,
DWP Minister Andrew Western shared in a written response: “The DWP has introduced measures to prevent fraud entering the system based on the types of cases and trends we have seen.” This
includes: * Strengthening the Identity and Verification Process to prevent fraudulent cases from entering the system * Introducing more rigorous checks for customers changing personal
details, including bank accounts * Delivering awareness sessions for Case Managers and Healthcare Professionals, reinforcing action to take when suspicious cases are identified - for
example, fake documents Article continues below The Minister continued: “DWP is delivering against key counter fraud activity, including investing in counter fraud professionals and building
data analytical capabilities. The new Fraud, Error and Debt Bill will bring forward new measures to tackle fraud in the system. “Details on the measures the Government will be legislating
will be presented to Parliament in due course.” Fraud and error across the entire welfare system cost the government £9.5billion last year. Slightly down overall from £9.7billion in
2023/2024. Article continues below Fraud in the benefits system includes cases where all three of the following conditions apply: * Conditions are not met to receive the benefit or the exact
rate * The claimant can be reasonably expected to be aware of this effect on their entitlement * When a review is conducted, the benefits stop or is reduced