Dear Constituent,
Thank you for contacting me about the proposed Fraud, Error and Debt Bill.
I believe it is important that any proposals to use data to identify fraud and error are implemented with the proper safeguards in place.
Whilst the level of fraud in the welfare system is unacceptable, with almost £10 billion lost last year, I think it is vital that government also focuses on the far greater amount of tax evasion that the wealthiest people in society get away with each year. We must not tolerate tax evasion and equally should not tolerate those who defraud the social security system. Both are effectively stealing from their fellow citizens.
Increased use of data will be essential on clamping down on fraud, but we need to make sure that any powers used to collect these are legal, proportionate, and targeted.
I was therefore glad to see the Work and Pensions Secretary explain that the eligibility verification measure in the new Bill will not give the DWP access to any bank accounts, nor information on how claimants spend their money. Instead, the proposed new power helps verify benefit eligibility, using only very limited information from banks and financial institutions.
I should stress that safeguarding vulnerable claimants is always a priority. The Bill will have a clearly defined scope and clear limitations for all the powers that the Government is introducing.
The Bill will also include safeguarding measures, reporting mechanisms and independent oversight. It is important that claimants can see that any new powers are being used fairly and effectively.
I am also aware that the Government intends to consult on a Code of Practice during the passage of the Bill. I believe this is an important additional step, which will help provide further assurance on the safe use of these powers.
Thank you once again for contacting me about this serious issue.
Kind regards,
Barry Gardiner