Overview

• Legislation returns to the House of Lords this month, with a phased pilot scheduled to begin in April 2026.
• Checks would draw on data from the largest 15 banks, which handle more than 97% of DWP payments.
• Banks would be prohibited from notifying customers when accounts are screened for Pension Credit eligibility.
• A Cabinet Office artificial intelligence system would flag irregularities, with a human making any entitlement decisions.
• UK Finance and Big Brother Watch warn of operational risks and intrusive surveillance, as powers include direct recovery of overpayments from accounts.