DWP bank 'snooping' powers defended by government as Universal Credit to be 'initial focus'

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

New powers that would assist the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) in tackling benefit fraud have been criticised in Parliament.

The Data Protection and Digital Information Bill is currently progressing through the House of Lords - a necessary process before it can officially become law.

New powers provided to the DWP would allow the government department to receive banking information from benefit claimants. The controversial bill has sparked concerns over the use of the powers and potential infringements on a claimant's privacy.

A debate on the bill in the House of Lords last month sought more clarification on the extent and uses of the proposed powers. Try MEN Premium now with our amazing New Year offer...