DWP explains 'data surveillance' policy for Universal Credit claimants

The DWP has issued a statement after it was asked about "data surveillance" of people who claim Universal Credit. In a written question in Parliament, Liberal Democrat MP Angus MacDonald asked if the DWP had made an assessment of "the potential impact of data surveillance on recipients of Universal Credit".

DWP minister Andrew Western said in reply: "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."

Despite this reassurance, a bill is going through Parliament to grant new powers to DWP investigators to request banking information, including about Universal Credit claimants. In efforts to prevent error and fraud in the benefits system, officials will be able to request bank providers to hand over details about the accounts of those who receive benefits, including Universal Credit, Employment and Support Allowance, and Pension Credit.

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The information will be used to check those who are receiving these benefits are eligible to get their payments. The powers could be expanded to include other benefits. Also included in the bill are measures to allow officials to directly take funds from a person's bank account where they owe an amount to the DWP, and they are refusing to pay up.

In cases where these powers are used, investigators will have to request at least three months of bank statements for the relevant account, to make sure the person has the funds available. The person must get at least 28 days' notice to give them a chance to settle the debt before the funds are taken from their account.

MPs recently approved a bill to make key changes to Universal Credit payments. The legislation will guarantee that the standard allowance will go up at least in line with inflation each year, from 2026/27 to 2029/30.

But there will be cuts to the extra amounts you can get if you have a health condition that affects your ability to work. These are the current rates for the monthly Universal Credit standard allowance:

• If you’re single and under 25 - £316.98
• If you’re single and 25 or over - £400.14
• If you live with your partner and you’re both under 25 - £497.55 (for you both)
• If you live with your partner and either of you are 25 or over - £628.10 (for you both).