Silver Voices, a charity for older people, has issued a warning over the Public Authorities (Fraud, Error and Recovery) Bill.
State pensioners ‘terrified’ of new DWP powers which could empty bank account
State pensioners are terrified over new laws that could see the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and Labour Party government spy on their bank accounts. Silver Voices, a charity for older people, has issued a warning over the Public Authorities (Fraud, Error and Recovery) Bill.
The Bill is currently making its way through the House of Lords. One 72-year-old from Dorset, who relies on Pension Credit and the state pension, said the proposals had left them feeling increasingly vulnerable.
“I am single, live alone, receive Pension Credit, and the old state pension. I am terrified of these new powers in this new legislation. I feel vulnerable enough now without facing the dread of this,” the pensioner told The i Paper.
READ MORE UK households with white walls warned as epidemic starts to sweep England
Another member said “I am truly concerned about this intrusion by the Department for Work and Pensions.” Dennis Reed, director of Silver Voices, told The i Paper that the powers given under the bill were “draconian”.
“They are terrifying many recipients of pension credit and will act as a disincentive for future claimants,” he said.
He added: “Pensioners are worried that any unusual, but perfectly legal, transactions will flag up their accounts for investigation, and they may have their benefits frozen or their personal accounts raided.
“Many pensioners are already reluctant to claim pension credit because of the complexity and intrusiveness of the process. I am very worried that the recent increase in uptake will be reversed and more older people will be plunged into poverty as a consequence”.
A DWP spokesperson said: “We have a duty to the taxpayer, and this Bill is set to save £1.5bn over the next five years, which together with wider reforms will save £9.6bn by 2030 according to Office for Budget Responsibility estimates.”
Members of Silver Voices have contacted the campaign group to express worry over the bill.