North Wales Live
·Aug 2026
DWP benefit claimants risk having driving licences revoked from October
From October 2026, the Department for Work and Pensions will gain powers under the Public Authorities (Fraud, Error and Recovery) Act 2025 to seek court-ordered driving disqualifications of certain people who owe at least £1,000 in welfare debt, particularly where fraud is suspected and other recovery methods have failed. Bans cannot be imposed when someone has an essential need to drive, and they are initially suspended if the debtor maintains an affordable repayment plan. The DWP will also be able to recover money directly from bank accounts in some cases. The government says the measures could help recover up to £1.5 billion over five years and contribute to a wider £14.6 billion savings target, while urging former claimants with outstanding debts to repay or contact the department before enforcement begins.