MPs raise concerns over ‘Orwellian’ powers to crack down on benefit fraud

Sign up to our free money newsletter for investment analysis and expert advice to help you build wealth Sign up to our free money email for help building your wealth Sign up to our free money email for help building your wealth SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Government proposals to curb multibillion-pound benefit fraud involve “tools of an Orwellian surveillance state” and could put people through “absolute hell”, MPs have warned. She said: “I have serious concerns that assertions and decisions on individual cases if automated could lead to Horizon-style injustices, if necessary steps aren’t taken to put in the right safeguards, alongside measures to guarantee some level of transparency and accountability when mistakes arise.” We must ensure that the financial processes in this Bill don’t accidentally or inadvertently work against victims of domestic abuse in these scenarios, which is a point I am sure ministers are aware of. Independent MP John McDonnell Former shadow chancellor John McDonnell, currently sitting as an Independent after losing the Labour whip, backed efforts to tackle fraud but warned of a “real fear” among people who claim benefits. “This includes: fraud against our public services, like those who abuse the tax system; dishonest companies who use deception to win public contracts and manipulate invoices; and benefit fraud by criminal gangs and individuals, which now stands at a staggering £7.4 billion a year.” The DWP will not be able to access people's bank accounts or look at what they are spending, we will not share any personal information with banks.