Claims have circulated on social media about the forthcoming Public Authorities (Fraud, Error and Recovery) Bill. 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.
In the interview Ms McGovern said plans are being put in place to recover money that has been incorrectly claimed from the public purse. “But for some people, if they’re really determined not to give that money back, and they’re not on benefits or on PAYE, then we need the ability to take that money from bank accounts.
“And finally, if they really still are so determined that they won’t give the money back we will apply to the courts to disqualify them from driving. That’s a power that already exists in the Child Maintenance Service, so we know it works.”. That can only happen if the amount the Government is trying to recover from that person is £1,000 or more, and the person cannot be suspended if they need to drive to earn a living, or have another “essential need” for a driving licence.
The court will grant the suspension if it is satisfied that “the liable person has has, without reasonable excuse, not paid the recoverable amount.” The court should also be satisfied that the person has the means to comply with the repayment plan.
