seizure of assets & benefit overpayments

In the back of my mind I recall reading somewhere an article about DWP/LA’s using the provision that allows for the assets of those convicted of serious criminal offences such as drug trafficking or money laundering to be seized being used in cases of benefit overpayment’s.

I also recall that there is a problem with such seizure where a tribunal subsequently determines that there was no (recoverable) overpayment.

Can anyone point me to this article (if it existed) or other info on this issue?

I think this legal provision is open to be used in serious criminal cases brought by DWP. It would be for those cases of high level organised crime against DWP.

See the discussion titled “tribunal after criminal conviction” on the decision making and appeals forum dated 13/10/10 (unable to do hyperlink on this computer).

“POCA” – Proceeds of Crime Act 2002

Thanks Nevip - nice to know my memory hasn’t completely failed yet - just the recall bit!