Public Authorities (Fraud, Error and Recovery) Bill 2025-11-05

Concerned about the impact on those who make inadvertent mistakes, Jim Shannon seeks assurance that such individuals will not be penalised unfairly alongside deliberate fraudsters. He emphasises the need for sympathy and proper handling of accidental errors to avoid unnecessary suffering.

The Minister detailed how the statutory guidance will outline internal oversight structures, powers delegation, training standards, PSFA collaboration with an independent reviewer, and annual reporting requirements. He rejected Lords amendment 84 due to concerns it would compromise DWP's ability to attribute weight to EVM information obtained through eligibility verification notices. Instead, he proposed Government amendments (a) and (b) to ensure decisions are based on all relevant information rather than EVM alone. He also addressed concerns about the independent reviewer's role and use of reasonable force by authorised investigators.

Ms Blackman questioned why the Minister disagreed with Lords amendment 84, particularly in scenarios where DWP agents have only EVM information. She sought clarity on whether decisions could be based solely on EVM data.

Mr Western reiterated his stance against Lords amendment 84 and detailed the Government’s amendments (a) and (b), which require DWP staff to consider all relevant information before taking actions. He emphasised that these measures protect individuals from undue scrutiny based on isolated EVM data.

The shadow minister thanked peers for their constructive engagement and acknowledged the Government's willingness to accept improvements made during scrutiny in the House of Lords. She highlighted the importance of protecting taxpayers' money, ensuring fairness, and providing public bodies with necessary powers to tackle fraud.

Concerned about the potential harm to individuals from the eligibility verification measure (EVM), especially regarding algorithmic errors that could lead to wrongful investigations. Urges the Minister to accept Lords amendment 43, ensuring a proportionate and fair use of EVM powers.

Acknowledges improvements made by the Government but still has grave concerns about the Bill's proportionality and fairness. Emphasises the need for more responsibility given to the independent reviewer regarding these aspects.

The speaker questioned the reasonableness of political actions in the United States and emphasised the need for caution in adopting similar approaches, urging MPs to guard against such practices in UK legislation.

McDonnell expressed concern over Lords amendment 84 and sought clarity from the Government on whether decisions could be made solely based on EVM information. He also supported Lords amendment 43, advocating for a stronger independent review process to address concerns about vulnerable individuals.

Milne raised significant doubts about the DWP's ability to exercise new powers fairly and responsibly. He cited tragic cases of Philippa Day and Kristie Hunt, highlighting systemic failures and urging for public access to coroners' reports linked to DWP actions.

Blackman criticised the Bill's approach as disproportionate, questioning why universal credit claimants should face scrutiny of their bank accounts while those with high incomes do not. She highlighted systemic errors in the DWP and urged for more checks to protect vulnerable individuals.

The hon. Member for South West Devon highlighted concerns about the cost of sending bailiffs to collect small amounts of school meal debt, arguing it is disproportionate and harmful. She also raised issues about the impact on vulnerable groups, including those with learning difficulties and physical disabilities.

My hon. Friend supported the SNP's position by emphasising the need for transparency regarding costs and savings and expressed concerns over potential harm to vulnerable communities due to welfare fraud prevention measures.

The right hon. Member pointed out the importance of an annual review mechanism that examines whether the legislation is causing harm, suggesting this was essential for learning from past mistakes like the Work Capability Assessment.

The hon. Member spoke about the need to report on vulnerabilities and inequalities created by the welfare fraud measures, advocating for transparency and awareness of potential harm to vulnerable communities.