Member

The amendment is vital to protect the fundamental right to privacy for some of the most vulnerable members of society—those who do not speak up for themselves and those who rely on the social security safety net. The current proposal would allow the DWP to intrude into the financial lives of claimants without the robust oversight and safeguards that are the hallmark of a just system. Such sweeping powers risk undermining trust in public authorities. They could have great effect and lead to disproportionate and unnecessary invasions of privacy, especially when alternative, less intrusive means of verification are available. Furthermore, we have long argued that any powers granted to government departments, particularly those involving access to sensitive personal information, must be exercised with utmost restraint and subject to rigorous checks and balances.