Latest news with #PersonalIndependentPayments
Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
HMS Bristol to be scrapped and atheist employment row
Here's our daily pick of stories from across local websites in the West of England, and interesting content from social media. HMS Bristol, a Royal Navy destroyer which took part in the Falklands War, is set to leave its home in Portsmouth and head to Turkey where she will be scrapped, the Portsmouth News reports. A Falklands veteran that served on the ship told the website he plans to be there "for the start of her last journey". The story of an accountant working for the Clifton Catholic diocese who successfully sued the body for discrimination due to the fact she is an atheist features in the Daily Mail and a number of other outlets. Janet Parker was sacked following a dispute arising for a request for carer's leave for her newly adopted daughter. The Bridgwater branch of Natwest is set to close this year, according to the Bridgwater Mercury. Bridgwater's MP, Sir Ashley Fox has voiced his disappointment and is urging the bank to consider alternative forms of face-to-face services. A disabled woman heckled Bristol North West MP and chief secretary to the treasury Darren Jones over planned cuts to Personal Independent Payments (PIP) at a surgery event, the Canary reports. The 27-year-old woman held a banner reading: "PIP: Lifeline not pocket money". Pink Floyd star's garden event ends in 'chaos' Doctor suspended for sexual relationship with teen School cannot take sacked teacher to Supreme Court Avon and Somerset Police have got a lot of heat on X after posting that they barred a student PC who took paid work as a referee and a barman. The force is being attacked for failing to pay proper wages, and for letting more senior officers get away with much more serious misconduct. Tewkesbury Abbey says one of its young falcons has flown the nest. Hundreds of people have been following the chicks' development online. Cheltenham's 2,000 Trees Festival has had an overwhelmingly positive response to a post in support of the LGBTQ+ community on its Facebook page. The event said it was "committed to supporting trans people and their right to be respected". Follow BBC West social channels in Bristol, Gloucestershire, Somerset and Wiltshire. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.
Daily Record
6 days ago
- Business
- Daily Record
DWP measures to stop people fraudulently claiming monthly PIP of up to £749
DWP said £330 million was lost to fraud and error within the PIP system last year. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) recently confirmed it is 'committed' to tackling fraud and error within the benefits system, including recovering debts generated by Personal Independent Payments (PIP). Conservative MP Sir John Hayes asked DWP what steps it is taking to 'tackle people fraudulently claiming PIP'. In a written response, DWP Minister Andrew Western, explained new measures being introduced to 'prevent fraud entering the system based on the types of cases and trends we have seen'. This includes 'introducing more rigorous checks for customers changing personal details, including bank accounts'. Mr Western said: ' DWP is committed to tackling fraud and error in the benefits system and to the recovery of debts, including those generated by Personal Independent Payments. Working closely with counter fraud experts, the DWP has introduced measures to prevent fraud entering the system based on the types of cases and trends we have seen.' New DWP measures to tackle benefit fraud These include: Strengthening the Identity and Verification Process to prevent fraudulent cases 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 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.' The DWP pays benefits to nearly 24 million people across Great Britain, including 3.7m on PIP. The latest DWP report shows £330m was lost to fraud and error in the PIP system last year, up from £90m in 2023/24. Fraud and error in the welfare system cost the taxpayer £9.5bn in overpayments last year, compared to £9.7bn in 2023/24. Fraud This guidance on explains that this relates to claims where all three of the following conditions apply: the conditions for receipt of benefit, or the rate of benefit in payment, are not met the claimant can reasonably be expected to be aware of the effect on their entitlement benefit payment stops or reduces as a result of a review of the claim. Claimant error These are overpayments where claimants have provided inaccurate or incomplete information, or failed to report a change in their circumstances which has led to an overpayment, but there is no evidence of fraudulent intent on the claimant's part. Official error This is where benefits have been paid incorrectly due to a failure to act, a delay or a mistaken assessment by the Department, a local authority or His Majesty's Revenue and Customs, to which no one outside of that department has materially contributed, regardless of whether the business unit has processed the information. Last year, Mr Western clarified that the proposed Fraud, Error and Debt Bill 'will not give DWP access to any bank accounts, nor any information on how claimants spend their money'adding that banks and financial institutions will share 'limited information' with the Department to 'help verify benefit eligibility by flagging possible conflicts with eligibility rules'. The DWP Minister said: 'As set out by the National Audit Office, access to data is key to prevention and detection of incorrect payments. The Eligibility Verification Measure (EVM) in the proposed Fraud, Error and Debt Bill will not give DWP access to any bank accounts, nor any information on how claimants spend their money. 'It will require banks and financial institutions to share limited information with the DWP to help verify benefit eligibility by flagging possible conflicts with eligibility rules - for example the £16,000 capital limit in Universal Credit. The information gathered will help DWP identify incorrect payments, prevent debts from accruing for the claimant and help identify where there may be fraudulent activity.' He added: 'The legislation will set out key safeguards, including reporting mechanisms and independent oversight. No benefit entitlement decision will be made solely because of the data obtained under EVM and a final decision on benefit entitlement will always involve a human agent. 'If a claimant wishes to challenge or appeal a benefit decision, they can do so following DWP's appeals processes.'
Wales Online
13-05-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
DWP steps to prevent people fraudulently claiming PIP payments
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info The Department for Work and Pensions has reaffirmed its vow to combat benefit fraud and error, including reclaiming debts from Personal Independent Payments. This statement was made in response to an inquiry by Conservative MP Sir John Hayes, who questioned what actions the DWP is taking to address individuals submitting fraudulent PIP claims. In a written response, DWP Minister Andrew Western detailed new initiatives being put in place to prevent fraudulent activity from entering the system based on observed patterns and case types. Read more: Nationwide warns over major shake-up Some of these steps include implementing more stringent checks when claimants modify personal details, such as bank accounts, as reported by the Daily Record. Western stated, "DWP is dedicated to tackling fraud and error within the benefits system and to recovering debts, including those from Personal Independent Payments. Working closely with counter-fraud specialists, DWP has introduced measures to prevent fraudulent activity based on observed cases and trends.", reports the Express. DWP introduces new measures to combat benefit fraud. The Minister further noted, "DWP is making progress in key counter-fraud activities, including investing in counter-fraud professionals and enhancing data analytical capabilities. The new Fraud, Error, and Debt Bill will introduce additional measures to tackle systemic fraud. "Details of the legislative measures will be presented to Parliament in due course." Minister Western outlined new measures being taken to "prevent fraud entering the system based on the types of cases and trends we have seen". These measures include "introducing more rigorous checks for customers changing personal details, including bank accounts", reports the Daily Record. Mr Western stated: "DWP is committed to tackling fraud and error in the benefits system and to the recovery of debts, including those generated by Personal Independent Payments. Working closely with counter fraud experts, the DWP has introduced measures to prevent fraud entering the system based on the types of cases and trends we have seen." New DWP measures to tackle benefit fraud. The Minister added: "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." The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) delivers benefits to over 23 million individuals across Great Britain, including 3.6 million on Personal Independence Payment (PIP). The latest DWP report discloses that £90 million was lost to fraud and error in the PIP system in 2023/24. Fraud and error within the welfare system currently burden taxpayers with nearly £10 billion each year. Since the onset of the pandemic, a staggering total of £35 billion has been erroneously paid to those not entitled to it. It's important to clarify that this figure also encompasses criminal gangs, not solely benefit claimants. The forthcoming DWP fraud and error report is due to be released later this month. As per guidance on fraud pertains to claims where all three of the following conditions are satisfied:. Claimant error refers to overpayments where claimants have supplied inaccurate or incomplete information, or neglected to report a change in their circumstances resulting in an overpayment, but there is no evidence of fraudulent intent on the claimant's part. Official error transpires when benefits have been wrongly paid due to a failure to act, a delay, or an incorrect assessment by the Department, a local authority, or His Majesty's Revenue and Customs, to which no one outside of that department has significantly contributed, irrespective of whether the business unit has processed the information. Last year, Mr Western clarified the scope of the soon-to-be-unveiled Fraud, Error and Debt Bill by emphasising: "will not give DWP access to any bank accounts, nor any information on how claimants spend their money" further explaining that "limited information" will be made available to banks for the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to bolster benefits eligibility checks and spotlight potential rule breaches. The Minister for the DWP was adamant: "As set out by the National Audit Office, access to data is key to prevention and detection of incorrect payments. The Eligibility Verification Measure (EVM) in the proposed Fraud, Error and Debt Bill will not give DWP access to any bank accounts, nor any information on how claimants spend their money." Stressing what the bill seeks to accomplish, he elaborated: "It will require banks and financial institutions to share limited information with the DWP to help verify benefit eligibility by flagging possible conflicts with eligibility rules - for example the £16,000 capital limit in Universal Credit. The information gathered will help DWP identify incorrect payments, prevent debts from accruing for the claimant and help identify where there may be fraudulent activity." To highlight the protective elements, he declared: "The legislation will set out key safeguards, including reporting mechanisms and independent oversight. No benefit entitlement decision will be made solely because of the data obtained under EVM and a final decision on benefit entitlement will always involve a human agent. "If a claimant wishes to challenge or appeal a benefit decision, they can do so following DWP's appeals processes."
North Wales Live
23-04-2025
- Business
- North Wales Live
DWP introduces 'rigorous' new checks for PIP claimants
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has reaffirmed its commitment to tackling fraud and errors within the benefits system, with a focus on reclaiming debts from Personal Independent Payments (PIP). Conservative MP Sir John Hayes inquired about the steps DWP is taking to "tackle people fraudulently claiming PIP". In response, DWP Minister Andrew Western outlined new strategies aimed at "preventing fraud entering the system based on the types of cases and trends we have seen". These strategies include "introducing more rigorous checks for customers changing personal details, including bank accounts". Mr Western stated: "DWP is committed to tackling fraud and error in the benefits system and to the recovery of debts, including those generated by Personal Independent Payments. Working closely with counter fraud experts, the DWP has introduced measures to prevent fraud entering the system based on the types of cases and trends we have seen." New DWP measures to tackle benefit fraud These include: Strengthening the Identity and Verification Process to prevent fraudulent cases 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 The Minister added: "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." The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) provides benefits to over 23 million people across Great Britain, including 3.6 million on Personal Independence Payment (PIP). According to the latest DWP report, £90 million was lost to fraud and error in the PIP system in 2023/24, reports the Daily Record. Fraud and error in the welfare system currently cost taxpayers nearly £10 billion annually. Since the pandemic began, a total of £35 billion has been incorrectly paid to those not entitled to it. It's crucial to note that this figure includes criminal gangs, not just benefit claimants. The next DWP fraud and error report is set to be published in May. Fraud provides guidance explaining that fraud relates to claims where all three of the following conditions apply: the conditions for receipt of benefit, or the rate of benefit in payment, are not met the claimant can reasonably be expected to be aware of the effect on their entitlement benefit payment stops or reduces as a result of a review of the claim. Claimant error These are overpayments where claimants have provided inaccurate or incomplete information, or failed to report a change in their circumstances which has led to an overpayment. However, there is no evidence of fraudulent intent on the claimant's part. Official error This refers to instances where benefits have been paid incorrectly due to a failure to act, a delay, or a mistaken assessment by the Department, a local authority, or His Majesty's Revenue and Customs. This occurs regardless of whether anyone outside of that department has materially contributed, and irrespective of whether the business unit has processed the information. Last year, Mr Western made it clear that the proposed Fraud, Error and Debt Bill "will not give DWP access to any bank accounts, nor any information on how claimants spend their money" adding that banks will only share "limited information" with the Department to assist in verifying benefit eligibility by highlighting potential discrepancies with the rules. The DWP Minister explained: "As set out by the National Audit Office, access to data is key to prevention and detection of incorrect payments. The Eligibility Verification Measure (EVM) in the proposed Fraud, Error and Debt Bill will not give DWP access to any bank accounts, nor any information on how claimants spend their money. "It will require banks and financial institutions to share limited information with the DWP to help verify benefit eligibility by flagging possible conflicts with eligibility rules - for example the £16,000 capital limit in Universal Credit. The information gathered will help DWP identify incorrect payments, prevent debts from accruing for the claimant and help identify where there may be fraudulent activity." Furthermore, he stated: "The legislation will set out key safeguards, including reporting mechanisms and independent oversight. No benefit entitlement decision will be made solely because of the data obtained under EVM and a final decision on benefit entitlement will always involve a human agent. If a claimant wishes to challenge or appeal a benefit decision, they can do so following DWP's appeals processes."
ITV News
22-04-2025
- Health
- ITV News
Mum with terminal cancer calls for simplified system after 'wasting 14 months' applying for benefits
A mum with terminal bowel cancer who "wasted months of precious time" with her family applying for benefits is calling for the system to be simplified. Bells, 56, spent 14 months going through appeals for Personal Independent Payments (PIP) as she was unable to work during her cancer treatment. The mum-of-two claims during her 90-minute interview a Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) medical assessor "did not know where her bowel was" before rejecting her application. She said: "I expected help because I have paid into the system all of my life. I've never lied. I've never cheated. I've never done anything wrong. "She asked me what my illness was and I said bowel cancer. She said 'which part of the body is that?' and I thought 'oh God.' They asked how far I can walk in the length of a double decker bus - it was ridiculous." Bells said with an uncertain future she wanted to spend precious time with family and friends, but was forced to waste months trying to navigate the complicated benefit paperwork "It took me three gos to go through the door. I chatted to the benefits girls at Maggie's and you get a huge form in the post", she said. With the help of cancer charity Maggie's and her local MP, Aphra Brandreth, Bells, from Chester, is calling for a special cancer benefit to simplify the process. The Conservative MP for Chester South and Eddisbury said: "I want to see the right people getting help. There is limited money - we know that - but it doesn't mean the system should be completely unfair." Bells said she was made to feel like she was cheating the system, and says simpler, bespoke benefits would make a world of difference to families like hers. She added: "The irony is if they gave us the support quicker - we would be back in the economy quicker. We would be off their books faster." A Department for Work and Pensions said: 'We support millions of people through our welfare system every year and it is a priority people receive the benefits they are entitled to as quickly as possible. 'We have hired more staff to respond to an increased volume of claims and have special rules in place so that people nearing the end of their life are guaranteed a fast-tracked PIP award. "On the rare occasion this does not happen, we will investigate to understand what went wrong.'
