Plans to give the UK’s Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) new authority to probe people’s bank accounts are moving closer to reality, with Parliament expected to pass the measures later this year. Civil liberties groups say the proposals open the door to financial surveillance on a scale never before seen in the UK.
Under Labour’s Fraud, Error and Debt Bill, the DWP would be able to compel banks and building societies to share information about social security claimants.
Baroness Maeve Sherlock told the House of Lords that the so‑called “Eligibility Verification Measure” will require institutions to provide specific account details once a formal request is issued. This includes the account holder’s name, date of birth, sort code, account number, and certain indicators of whether the account fits the rules for receiving social security.
