Official UK government announcements or legislative records

UK Government to Unveil New Laws to Seize Cash from Benefit Fraudsters' Bank Accounts on January 19, 2025

Jan 19, 2025, 07:58 AM

The UK government is set to introduce new legislation aimed at combating benefit fraud by allowing authorities to seize cash directly from the bank accounts of individuals found to be committing fraud. This initiative is part of a broader crackdown on benefit cheats, with ministers expected to unveil the plans shortly. The proposed measures have raised concerns regarding privacy, as they would enable continuous monitoring of the bank accounts of all benefit recipients, including vulnerable populations such as the poor, elderly, sick, and disabled. Critics argue that this approach presumes guilt and undermines the rights of individuals receiving benefits.