Public Authorities (Fraud, Error and Recovery) Act 2025

The act would give the Cabinet Office minister new powers to detect fraud against public bodies, prevent and recover money paid in error or through fraud, and enforce recovery using tools such as information notices, recovery notices, direct bank deductions and deductions from earnings, with penalties for non‑compliance. It creates the Public Sector Fraud Authority to take on these functions and lays out procedures, reviews and appeals, plus enhanced investigatory powers for DWP and other authorities under updated safeguards and independent oversight. The package also broadens information sharing across public bodies and introduces processes for identifying and correcting overpayments, including penalties and court routes where needed.

An official list of motions and amendments for the Lords to consider in relation to Commons reasons and amendments to the Public Authorities (Fraud, Error and Recovery) Bill 2025. It shows where the Commons disagrees with Lords amendments and proposes in-lieu amendments, including new provisions on oversight of investigatory powers, creation and transfer of the Public Sector Fraud Authority, guidance and annual reporting, and rules on use of force and EVM information. The Lords will decide whether to insist on their amendments or accept the Commons' versions.

This Lords amendment paper for the Public Authorities (Fraud, Error and Recovery) Bill sets out motions for the Lords to not insist on several of their amendments and to accept the Commons’ amendments (in lieu) at various points—Clauses 2, 66 and 75, and Schedules 2–4. It shows the Lords proposing to adopt the Commons’ changes, including cases where the Commons has given reasons for disagreeing with a Lords’ amendment (e.g., Clause 75). This is the stage of reconciling the bill between the Lords and Commons before final passage.

The Lords have proposed amendments to the Public Authorities (Fraud, Error and Recovery) Bill aimed at tighter oversight of investigatory powers, including guidance, annual reporting, governance, and creating a Public Sector Fraud Authority with powers transferred to it. The Commons disagree and advance amendments in lieu that restrict when enforcement actions can occur (only at a public authority’s request or in the public interest), extend governance and record-keeping requirements, and adjust safeguards around information use and force. The document records ongoing Lords–Commons disagreements and the amendments each side has tabled.