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DWP Sets January 2026 Universal Credit Fraud Campaign Targeting Living Arrangements, Savings and Self-Employment

The push follows £9.5bn in overpayments estimated for 2024/25.

Overview

  • Minister Andrew Western confirmed the initiative in a written response, with activity planned across on‑demand video, out‑of‑home, digital display, paid search and paid social.
  • The communications drive seeks to increase awareness of the consequences of not reporting changes and to clarify which changes Universal Credit customers must declare.
  • Parliament is examining proposals to allow investigators to review bank account data for Universal Credit, Employment and Support Allowance and Pension Credit.
  • DWP guidance lists nearly 20 changes that must be reported, and failures can lead to repayments, penalties or legal action.
  • Campaigners including the Public Law Project warn the department’s automated fraud‑detection tools risk bias, while the DWP says human caseworkers make final decisions.