beware if you dont disclose all information

Barcode

I had always presumed there was some central database which listed the benefits each person was receiving.

The only time I would object is if the DWP could access my bank statements without my consent (I gather they can if they reasonable cause to suspect fraud?). I don't think they need to know that I spend £20 on groceries each week, or that I bought a book from Amazon.

I've always declared all my benefits, shown bank statements, tenancy agreement etc on their home visits. But if they started accessing information not directly related to my benefits, then I may get irritable about it.

Anthillmob

the dwp or indeed an la can access your bank statements and employers etc without your permission if there is heavy fraud involved. as far as im aware they just write to the bank (for example) with a letter giving rules and regs and rights about criminal proceedings or something.

there has always been this database but la's have not been allowed access to it until now.

but we cannot just go in looking at anyones info, only info regarding the claim you are working on. i cant even look up myself as it would be an offence!

peter999

Anthillmob wrote:

the dwp or indeed an la can access your bank statements and employers etc without your permission if there is heavy fraud involved. as far as im aware they just write to the bank (for example) with a letter giving rules and regs and rights about criminal proceedings or something.

there has always been this database but la's have not been allowed access to it until now.

but we cannot just go in looking at anyones info, only info regarding the claim you are working on. i cant even look up myself as it would be an offence!

I'm sure you'll have a nose around when nobody is looking to see what benefits/earnings
your friends/neighbours/relatives are getting out of curiosity.
.

Anthillmob

you cant. every case you look at you have to fill in a form. if you dont you get a bum kicking.

msmicawber

I'm glad that the regulations as to who can look at whose files and why are tightly controlled. I find having to ask for housing benefit humiliating enough without the thought that any of my neighbours who work at the LA could browse through my personal details just because they work there. With Tax Credits or Child Benefit, you know it's all handled by faceless strangers elsewhere in the country, but your Local Authority is just that .... local.

bigbill

Don't want to worry anyone!

But at a meeting recently it was stated by the DWP that they will have a new system in place within the next few weeks that allows some staff (Not all) to find out what benefits are being paid in any town, then any street, then any post code , then any house within the street or post code.

That is worrying?

msmicawber

I assume that's the same database that Anthillmob was referring to. The way I read the post, she was just giving the heads up that Local Authorities now have access to this too.

If I thought it would reduce the number of mistakes and miscalculations made, I'd not worry, but I'm too old, tired and cynical to believe that will be the case.

Anthillmob

aparently it will (wether it will or not remains to be seen) reduce fraud, overpayments and miscalculations.

msmicawber

Here's hoping :beer:

Peter-Pan_5

Do you not have to show your bank statements to get HB and/or CTB,surely they dont have the technology to find out what we all have in the bank,do they? just curious!!