Will's response to constituents about the government proposals to scrutinise bank accounts of benefit claimants.

Will has responded to many constituents who have gotten in touch with him about the government's proposals to grant the DWP powers to scrutinise bank accounts of benefit claimants, including ones with disabilities. 

Here is his response:

Thank you for reaching out regarding the Public Authorities (Fraud, Error and Recovery) Bill and your concerns about the government’s proposal to grant the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) powers to scrutinise bank accounts of benefit claimants, including those with disabilities.
 
Fraud must be tackled effectively to ensure public funds are protected and directed towards those who genuinely need them but we need to be extra careful. Fraud undermines trust in the system and takes money away from essential services. However, I share your concerns about the privacy implications of this Bill, particularly for vulnerable individuals. But a lot can be said for government mistrust in people just trying to survive.
 
The government’s approach appears heavy-handed and raises serious questions about personal privacy and due process. The Liberal Democrats strongly oppose any mechanisms that would allow banks and other financial institutions to hand over large amounts of personal data without clear and transparent safeguards. The prospect of the DWP having direct access to people’s bank accounts, including the ability to withdraw funds or revoke driving licences, is deeply worrying, particularly given the department’s troubling record in handling overpayments, as seen in the Carer’s Allowance scandal.
 
It is unacceptable for the government to push forward with granting the DWP even more powers before the independent review into Carer’s Allowance overpayments has been completed. This review, secured by campaigners, is due to report back this summer. Until its findings are published and acted upon, any expansion of DWP’s powers risks repeating past mistakes and causing further harm to those who rely on support.
 
I will continue to scrutinise this Bill as it progresses through Parliament and back Lib Dem amendments that ensure privacy is respected, and that safeguards are in place to protect those who rely on benefits.
 
Now that the Bill is at the Report stage, I will work with Lib Dem colleagues to press the government to remove any disproportionate measures and ensure that any anti-fraud policies are balanced, fair, and do not place undue burdens on disabled people and other vulnerable groups.
 
Thank you for getting in touch. Please do not hesitate to get in touch if you have any further concerns.
 
Kind regards,
 
Will
 
Will Forster MP