Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what types of data would be collected from benefit claimants’ bank accounts under the proposed policy.

The Eligibility Verification Measure (EVM) in the proposed Fraud, Error and Debt Bill will require banks and financial institutions to look within their own data to highlight where someone may not be eligible for the benefits they are receiving. Banks will share minimal information which will be used by DWP to support further inquiry into potential incorrect payments if there is a possible conflict with the benefit eligibility rules, such as the £16,000 capital limit in Universal Credit or individuals living abroad without notifying the Department.

EVM will not give DWP access to any bank accounts, nor any information on how claimants spend their money. The State Pension will be excluded from the scope of this measure given its near universality and minimal eligibility requirements.

DWP will ensure that any data is processed and held in compliance with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018. Compliance with data protection legislation is also overseen by the Information Commissioner’s Office.

The Department routinely handles large volumes of data and has robust security processes in place to manage this. DWP will draw on that experience in designing the processes needed for the EVM and delivery will be built in collaboration with the banking industry to ensure it is as secure as possible. The Department will conduct a Data Protection Impact Assessment at the appropriate time.

Further details will be set out when the Bill is introduced to Parliament.