Overview
- Lewis escalated the issue on Good Morning Britain after sending evidence to Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden.
- His letter warns that up to 8.3 million Universal Credit recipients may be effectively excluded from switching accounts.
- Claimants report being told to attend in-person Jobcentre appointments to change bank details, creating hassle, costs and potential lost income.
- He says the system has not adapted to digital-only banking, with paperless statements and numberless cards creating practical and accessibility barriers.
- Lewis points to the government-backed Current Account Switch Service with built-in fraud checks, noting that missed switching incentives can reach about £200, while the DWP says it will respond and stresses security.