Banks can tell DWP five things about Brits’ accounts – full list

Banks can tell DWP five things about Brits’ accounts – full list The Government can instruct banks by giving them the account's sort code and account number, or other identifiers. Share Article Share Article Facebook X LinkedIn Reddit Bluesky Email Copy Link Link copied Add us as preferred source Comments By Adam Toms 14:12, Sun, Oct 25, 2026 The Government can attain information about Brits' bank accounts (Image: Getty) Banks can tell the the Department for Work Pensions (DWP) five things about Britons' bank accounts. As part of a crackdown on fraud or error, the DWP will identify which bank account an order should be applied to and instruct banks by giving them the sort code and account number, or other identifiers, officials specify. An Account Information Notice (AIN) is issued by DWP to a bank, requiring it to provide a period of recent bank account statements for an account. The notice will contain the name of the person and identify the relevant account or accounts. "Money owed to DWP can now be recovered from an individual’s bank account by issuing a direct deduction order to their bank for repayment," the Government says. "In the most serious cases where individuals have persistently and deliberately evaded repayment of debt, DWP can apply to the court to temporarily disqualify an individual from holding a driving licence where the court is satisfied that the debtor had the means to repay and did not without good reason." Officials have powers to issue a Direct Deduction Order ( DDO) to banks to recover debts directly from individuals' bank accounts. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT In serious cases, "where recovery by any other means is not reasonably possible", the DWP can apply to the court for a suspended disqualification from driving order. Officials can recover money owed to the Government directly from people's bank account — including joint accounts, or some accounts used for business purposes — through "regular or lump sum direct deductions". The Government says "DWP will conduct checks for DDO suitability, including checks for any vulnerable circumstances, based on information held by DWP . "They will also use Credit Reference Agency information to identify bank accounts held by individuals which may be suitable for a DDO . Get personal finance news, money saving tips and advice plus selcted offers and competitions I would like to receive emails from the Daily Express featuring our latest products, services, offers, and promotions from across the Reach Plc family . Subscribe Invalid email You agree you are 18 or over. We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. You can unsubscribe at any time. More Info . "Once bank accounts are identified, DWP will then decide if it is appropriate to contact the bank to request statements or information about any other accounts held with that bank." If the DWP and individual do not reach "an agreed payment plan", it will "obtain and consider bank statements and other bank account information, so that any action taken to recover the debt from an account is fair and affordable". Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT Officials will also "determine whether the individual can afford direct deductions from their bank account to repay the debt" and "help to identify and consider essential living expenses, and ensure any relevant protected incomes are identified, so that the amount of any DDO is fair and affordable". The Government will also "look for reasonably obvious indicators of financial hardship". Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT John Healey just panicked and lost control – his Budget is about to cause total carnage Martin Lewis explains 3-year ISA rule - 'then it counts' "Considering bank account statements and information ensures that recovery decisions are based on the most up to date evidence of the individual’s ability to repay," it adds. "Authorised Officers" may require information about people within a family "only where their circumstances are directly relevant to the benefit claim being investigated", officials say. As an example, they use a person who "is claiming an income related benefit but not declaring their partner’s earnings, as well as enquiring about the claimant". Officers could make enquiries in relation to the partner’s bank account too, the Government says. List of things banks can disclose Account holders’ names. Account numbers and sort codes. Details of linked and joint accounts. Information about balances. Dates of transactions abroad. Benefits and Work notes that banks "cannot supply full statements, transaction histories, spending details, specific transaction locations or sensitive information such as religious beliefs". The site adds: "The DWP cannot access your online banking or watch your account in real time." DWP Fraud Benefits Share Article Share Article Facebook X LinkedIn Reddit Bluesky Email Copy Link Link copied Add us as preferred source Comments