Overview
- The department says banks will respond to Eligibility Verification Notices rather than grant investigators unfettered account access.
- Investigators will be able to issue information notices to third parties, including relatives, where evidence links them to a case.
- Officials can withdraw owed sums directly from accounts in cases of non‑repayment, after reviewing at least three months of statements.
- The measures focus first on Universal Credit, Employment and Support Allowance, and Pension Credit, with potential expansion to other benefits.
- An independent overseer will monitor use of the powers as industry figures call for robust safeguards and civil‑liberties groups warn of privacy risks and possible wrongful flags.