Member

As for proposed new paragraph (e) of the amendment, let me be clear that there is no reason for individuals to lose access to banking services solely because of information shared under the eligibility verification measure. We have been clear that this information does not imply any wrongdoing, and the measure simply provides a source of data, which feeds into long-standing processes in DWP, and the Department already has layers of support and specialist staff to support those who are vulnerable or have complex needs. Government amendments (a) and (b) in lieu of Lords amendment 84, which I have spoken to, reaffirm this. Furthermore, the measure will help our customers; it will help us spot errors in claims sooner and take steps to correct them, and help prevent larger overpayments and debts from building up, as I said in response to the intervention from the hon. Member for Strangford (Jim Shannon).