The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) can now remove driving licences from benefits claimants under fresh powers introduced by the Labour government. New legislation came into force on October 1.
Courts can impose driving bans for debt
Courts can now impose driving bans where outstanding debt amounts to at least £1,000. Licences can be withdrawn, provided that nobody is disqualified if they have an essential requirement for their licence, such as employment that depends on driving, including courier work or caring responsibilities.
Minister defends new powers
Work and pensions Minister for Transformation Andrew Western said: "Hardworking taxpayers deserve a system that pursues those who deliberately dodge their debts, and that is exactly what these new powers deliver. To anyone with an outstanding debt - our door is open and DWP will always work with you to find an affordable way to repay. But for those who can pay and won't - we're going further than ever before to claw back cash and crack down on fraud."
Protections and further orders
The application of these Debt Recovery powers is regulated by the DWP Direct Deduction and Disqualification from Driving Orders Code of Practice, which outlines the stringent protections that must be adhered to prior to any enforcement measures being implemented.
The Secretary of State may seek a second or further suspended DWP disqualification order in connection with a recoverable amount even where the outstanding sum to be recovered has dropped to below £1,000.
