Oral QuestionDepartment for Work and Pensions

What steps she is taking with Cabinet colleagues to tackle fraud in the welfare system by organised criminal groups.

Tabled: 17 June 2025Answered: 23 June 2025

Asked by

Mr Luke Charters

LabourYork Outer

Answering Minister

the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions

Answer from Hansard

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (Andrew Western)

The Department works collaboratively across Government and law enforcement agencies to investigate welfare fraud perpetrated by organised criminal gangs. This type of criminality is complex and far-reaching, and a collaborative approach is therefore essential. I am pleased to confirm that new powers in the Public Authorities (Fraud, Error and Recovery) Bill will help us better tackle organised crime by taking greater control of our investigations through new powers of entry, search and seizure.