The People's Chamber
ISSUE 80
JUN 19-25, 2026
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Neil Couling CB CBE
Neil Couling CB CBE
Director General, DWP Services and Fraud
Department for Work and Pensions

Political Biography

Neil was appointed Director General, DWP Services and Fraud in March 2025.

Neil’s career started in a local benefits office administering claims for Income Support. His subsequent roles have included:

• working in policy

• Principal Private Secretary to the Secretary of State

• several executive roles within Jobcentre Plus and its predecessors

• Director General for the Universal Credit Programme since October 2014

• Senior Responsible Owner for the Universal Credit Programme