Member

There are already multiple powers and processes by which the DWP exchanges data with third parties; it is all set out in the impact assessment. The Government must reduce benefit fraud and error, but there are effective and proportionate means of doing so, including the proper use of existing powers. It is particularly unfortunate in this case, as this extraordinary proposal is entirely disproportionate to the revenue that the Government expect to raise via its use. The Government’s own analysis shows that if it works as hoped—and there must be some doubt about that—this unprecedented bank intrusion is expected to generate less than 1.4% of the estimated annual loss to fraud and error. We have to offset the intrusion into citizens’ private affairs against the potential gain.