Member

However, this measure is not just about fraud; it is about detecting all overpayments, whatever the cause, as quickly as possible. This will be in the best interests of claimants, the DWP and the taxpayer; crucially, it will prevent claimants building up large debts. I keep saying this but let me be clear: information shared by financial institutions at this point is done without suspicion or presumption of wrongdoing on the part of the claimant. As my noble friend said, the DWP has the power to request information from financial institutions where there is a reasonable suspicion of fraud; that is done under different provisions.