Labour's benefit fraud crackdown would allow officials to access bank accounts

Labour's new fraud, error, and debt bill aims to tackle benefit fraud by allowing banks and financial institutions to share data with welfare officials, promising significant savings.

Keir Starmer emphasized that maintaining public support for the welfare state critically depends on preventing benefit fraud, outlining the importance of the new legislation during a recent conference.

Campaigners expressed concern over potential privacy invasions tied to the legislation, reminiscent of previous controversial bills, stating that vulnerable demographics could be disproportionately affected.

The DWP asserts that robust measures will protect vulnerable claimants while monitoring the use of new powers to ensure accountability and prevent misuse.

Read at www.theguardian.com