UK Government Steps Up HMRC Raids, July 31 Deadline, and DWP Benefit Cuts Including £720 Universal Credit Deduction

The UK government is intensifying enforcement efforts on tax and benefit claimants ahead of key deadlines and policy changes. HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has issued a warning as the number of raids on UK households reached 648, signaling a crackdown on tax avoidance and fraud. This follows a 0.5% decline in wealthy foreign residents claiming preferential tax treatment on overseas income and gains, amid moves to scrap the regime. HMRC has set a critical deadline on July 31 that millions of households cannot afford to ignore. Meanwhile, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is implementing a series of measures to reduce fraud and overpayments. These include scrapping six benefits, resulting in claimants facing up to five weeks without payments, and deducting £720 from Universal Credit claimants. The DWP has also issued warnings totaling £5,000 to 200,000 parents, many reportedly affected through no fault of their own. Additionally, four major changes to benefits will take effect from next April, underscoring the government's ongoing efforts to tighten oversight and enforcement in welfare and tax systems.