What DWP's 'Data Surveillance' policy means for Universal Credit claimants
The DWP has released a statement in response to questions regarding "data surveillance" of Universal Credit claimants. MP Angus MacDonald raised a written question in parliament, enquiring whether the DWP had evaluated "the potential impact of data surveillance on recipients of Universal Credit".
In his response, DWP minister Andrew Western clarified: "No assessment has been made as the DWP does not currently or have any plans to use data surveillance to regulate, police or monitor the actions of individuals or groups in receipt of benefits."
However despite these assurances, legislation is progressing through parliament that would empower DWP investigators with new authority to access banking information, including that of Universal Credit recipients, reports the Mirror.
The proposed measures aim to curb errors and fraud within the benefit system by enabling officials to demand that banks disclose details about the accounts of benefit recipients, such as those on Universal Credit, Employment and Support Allowance, and Pension Credit.
This data will be utilised to verify the eligibility of benefit recipients for their payments. There's potential for these powers to extend to other benefits as well.
The bill also proposes provisions for officials to directly withdraw funds from an individual's bank account if they owe money to the DWP and are not cooperating with repayment demands.
In cases where these powers are used, investigators will need to request a minimum of three months' bank statements for the relevant account, to ensure the individual has sufficient funds. The person must receive at least 28 days' notice to provide them an opportunity to clear the debt before money is withdrawn from their account.
MPs have recently passed a bill to implement significant changes to Universal Credit payments. The law will ensure that the standard allowance increases at least in line with inflation each year, from 2026/27 to 2029/30.
However, there will be reductions to the additional amounts you can receive if you have a health condition that impacts your capacity to work. Here are the current rates for the monthly Universal Credit standard allowance:
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