Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, for what reason a benefit sanction was imposed on Mr David Clapson in June 2014; and if he will make a statement.

Although the Data Protection Act does not apply to deceased persons’ personal data, rules of confidentiality continue to apply. DWP’s policy is that if someone enquires about a deceased person only the date of death may be disclosed unless the written consent of the executor or administrator, or a close relative if of no executor or administrator exists, has been obtained.

Section 123 of the Social Security Act 1992 makes it a criminal offence to disclose social security information (including information relating to deceased customers) without lawful authority.