Research and analysis

Public Authorities (Fraud, Error and Recovery) Bill: impact assessment - RPC opinion (green-rated)

Regulatory Policy Committee opinion on the Department for Work and Pensions’ impact assessment (IA) in respect of the Public Authorities (Fraud, Error and Recovery) Bill

• From: Regulatory Policy Committee
• Published: 22 January 2025

Documents

RPC Opinion: Public Authorities (FE&R) Bill

PDF, 202 KB, 12 pages

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.

Request an accessible format.

If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email enquiries@bis.gsi.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Details

The Bill makes provision for the prevention of fraud against public authorities and the making of erroneous payments by public authorities; and about the recovery of money paid by public authorities as a result of fraud or error.

The methodologies used to calculate estimated annual net direct costs to business (estimated at circa £100,000) seem proportionate where data is available. The individual IAs submitted for RPC scrutiny include an assessment of the impact on small and micro businesses. Although not exempted from any of the measures, the assessment provides reasonable justification for this. However, the IA does not discuss sufficiently the potential impact on the poorest members of society of reclaiming overpayments due to error. Other aspects of the IA are satisfactory.

The IA is fit for purpose; green-rated.

Published 22 January 2025