Minister for Transformation (): I would like to advise
the House that today the Government is publishing the response to
the public consultation on the Codes of Practice (“Codes”)
associated with the Public Authorities (Fraud, Error and
Recovery) (PAFER) Act 2025. The response explains how the
public's views were considered and, where appropriate, reflected
through changes to the Codes. Alongside this response, the
following Codes have been published:
- Eligibility Verification Notices
- DWP Direct Deduction and Disqualification from Driving Orders
- DWP Obtaining Information to Support Fraud Investigations in
the Welfare System
These Codes have been developed as essential safeguards to
support the effective and proportionate application of the newly
enacted PAFER legislation. I am grateful to all those who took
the time to contribute their views on these documents. The
feedback provided was detailed, considered and constructive and
the Codes have been strengthened as a result of this engagement.
The powers in the Act and the publication of these Codes affirm
our commitment to root out fraud and waste in public services and
safeguard taxpayers' money. These Codes will guide the operation
and governance of the new powers by setting out, in more detail,
how DWP will apply these new powers to improve its ability to
identify, prevent and deter social security fraud and error, and
will support more effective recovery of debt.
Today's action takes us one step closer in delivering the
estimated benefits of £2.1 billion over the next five years, as
scored by the independent Office for Budget Responsibility. I
have every confidence that each Code of Practice provides a solid
and effective foundation to ensure the safe and proportionate use
of DWP's new powers.
