Citizens Advice submission to the House of Commons Public Bill Committee on the Public Authorities (Fraud, Error and Recovery) Bill
The full submission can be accessed at the link above. There is a summary below. Victoria Anns at victoria.anns@citizensadvice.org.uk.
Summary:
New powers requiring banks to scan customers' accounts for indications of fraud or error are likely to lead to more innocent people facing benefit investigations.
New powers allowing the DWP to directly recover debts from people's bank accounts are likely to affect people in the most vulnerable circumstances.
The government should commit to a system in which benefit payments are not suspended unless and until wrongdoing has been established.
We would also like to see the creation of a baseline vulnerability criteria and a tailored offer of support for those identified as needing extra help or protection.