The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has introduced new powers allowing it to access the bank accounts of individuals claiming benefits. This move is intended to help identify and prevent fraudulent claims and reduce errors in benefit payments. The expanded access will enable the DWP to verify income and financial information more directly.
These powers are being gradually implemented and will affect millions of benefit recipients across the UK. The DWP states that the checks will be carried out with safeguards to protect claimant privacy and ensure data is used appropriately.
**Why this matters**
The new measures aim to improve the accuracy of benefit payments and reduce losses due to fraud. For claimants, this means increased scrutiny of their financial information, which could lead to adjustments in their benefits if discrepancies are found. The changes also raise questions about privacy and data security, making it important for claimants to understand how their information will be accessed and used.
Source: NewsData