UK DWP cracks down on benefit fraud and publishes expanded PIP condition list

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) announced the arrest of two individuals in London as part of a major crackdown on a £200,000 benefits fraud scheme involving false claims for Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment (PIP). The suspects are accused of creating fake companies to launder money and conceal assets, and police seized high‑value items such as designer bags. The operation is linked to the government's aim to save £14.6 billion over five years from fraud, error and debt.

In a separate update, the DWP released the full list of 25 stomach and intestinal conditions that qualify for PIP payments, allowing claimants to receive up to £748 per month. There are currently 40,458 claimants for these conditions. The list includes Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, coeliac disease, peptic ulcer, gastro‑oesophageal reflux disease and other disorders. PIP rates were increased by 3.8% after the annual uplift.