Claims have circulated on social media about the forthcoming Public Authorities (Fraud, Error and Recovery) Bill. One stated that: “Labour will take the driving licences off those on benefits who have no job, no income and no savings to repay benefits.” Another claimed: “Benefit cheats could lose driving licences. Someone innocently exceeding Carer’s earning limit charged with fraud, can’t drive, may not be able to work, can’t support family, needs more benefits.”

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A new bill would allow the Government to apply to a court to disqualify people from driving if they repeatedly refuse to reimburse the Government for money they have incorrectly received. People will only be banned from driving if they owe more than £1,000 and only if the court is satisfied that they have the means to pay back the debt. They also cannot be suspended from driving if they need to drive to earn a living or if they have another essential need to drive.

Reviewed by PA Media ↗ · January 24, 2025