Public Authorities (Fraud, Error and Recovery) Act DWP Codes of Practice: Verifying Eligibility in the Welfare System, Obtaining Information and Recovering Debt

From:: Department for Work and Pensions
Published: 8 December 2025

Summary

Consultation on the Eligibility Verification Measure Code of Practice, the Debt Recovery Code of Practice and the Information Gathering Code of Practice.

This consultation closes at
11:59pm on 27 February 2026

Consultation description

The Public Authorities (Fraud, Error and Recovery) Act 2025 establishes a modernised legislative framework to enable the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to more effectively identify, prevent, and reduce fraud and error within the social security system. Three draft Codes of Practice have been developed, to ensure the safe, effective and proportionate use of DWP’s new powers. To ensure appropriate governance and transparency in the exercise of these new powers, the DWP is committed to undertaking a public consultation on the proposed Codes of Practice developed under the Act.

How to respond to this consultation

Online - Consultation responses will be collected primarily through the survey link here: Public Authorities (Fraud, Error and Recovery) Act DWP Codes of Practice – Fill in form

Email - You can also submit representations/consultation responses via email: cop.paferconsultation@dwp.gov.uk

By post – Please send any responses to the following address:

DWP FED Consultation
2nd Floor
Caxton House
Tothill Street
London
SW1H 9NA

Please indicate whether you are responding as an individual or representing the views of an organisation.

Your response will be most useful if it is framed in direct response to the questions posed, though further comments and evidence are also welcome.

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