Target gangs, not grannies: SmartSearch backs DWP fraud powers with safeguards

11 February 2026

In response to a new report from the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) about the DWP’s expanded powers to access bank account data, Phil Cotter, CEO at anti-fraud experts SmartSearch argues that the measures should be targeted at organised criminal gangs committing large-scale benefit fraud, with strong safeguards in place to protect legitimate claimants.

“Large-scale benefit fraud in the UK has evolved far beyond isolated or opportunistic abuse,” said Phil Cotter, CEO at anti-fraud experts SmartSearch. “Evidence from UK law-enforcement shows that the highest-harm benefit fraud cases involve stolen or fabricated identities, multiple bank accounts and money-laundering techniques more commonly associated with serious financial crime. These powers are designed to tackle organised criminal gangs carrying out benefit fraud on an industrial scale; not to target genuine claimants or ‘little old ladies claiming too much heating allowance’.

“Given the scale of the problem, with benefit fraud and error costing the UK around 9.5 billion a year – with fraud responsible for the vast majority - around 6.5bn - stronger investigative powers are necessary. However, the Public Accounts Committee is right to stress that they must be used proportionately and with clear safeguards. A risk-based approach focused on complex, organised abuse is essential to protect public trust while targeting those responsible for the greatest harm.”