Universal Credit Review - data protection breach!

Editable version of the complaints letter that you can copy, paste and edit accordingly:

To whom it may concern,
I am writing to formally object to what I believe to be fraudulent and unethical attempt by the DWP to obtain unauthorised access to my personal banking information, infringing on my rights under multiple laws and treaties. This effort appears to rely on a document I was misled into signing, which contains provisions allegedly intending to exempt the DWP from accountability to the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC). This exemption, if asserted, would itself be a violation of fundamental human rights and is legally invalid.

1. Human Rights Violations
   Under article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights, incorporated into law through the Human Rights Act, I am entitled to respect for my private and family life, including financial privacy. Unauthorised attempts by the DWP to access my bank account without my clear, voluntary, and informed consent directly infringe upon this right. Additionally, any effort to to circumvent accountability through a manifesto or internal policy defies article 30 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which stipulates that no authority may engage in actions aimed at the destruction of rights guaranteed under the Declaration.
2. Violations Under the Equality Act 2010 (remove this section if not relevant)
   As an individual with (insert relevant disability) , I am protected under the Equality Act 2010, which prohibits discrimination based on disability and mandates reasonable adjustments to ensure fair treatment. By failing to ensure that I was fully informed and consenting in any documentation, the DWP has neglected its legal duty to provide an accessible process that respects my rights, constituting a violation of the Act
3. The Distinction between Acts of Parliament and Law
   It is essential to clarify the distinction between an Act of Parliament and a law. An act of parliament serves as statutory guidance but does not carry the inviolable enforceability of a common law principle. Acts provide a legislative framework for governance, they do not override the fundamental protections guaranteed by common law or international human rights standards. Human rights protections cannot be selectively negated by national legislation.
4. Liability of DWP Employees
   I must also emphasise that any DWP employee who knowingly participates in actions that violate my rights is liable on both a personal and professional level.The principles established in the Nuremberg code affirm that orders do not absolve individual from accountability for unethical actions. Each participant has a duty to uphold fundamental human rights, and those who fail to do so may be personally responsible for any resulting harm.
5. Data Privacy Violations Under UK GDPR Under the UK General Protection Regulation (UK GDPR)
   I have the right to privacy in matters of personal data, Unauthorised attempts to access my financial information are likely in breach of these of these data protection laws. Any action taken without my clear, informed consent is unlawful under Article 6 of UK GDPR which mandates that data processing must be lawful, fair and transparent
6. Malicious communications
   Furthermore, any communications sent to me as part of this campaign that is intended to mislead, threaten, or coerce me into compliance may constitute a violation of the Malicious Communications Act 1988. Under this Act, it is unlawful to send any communication with the intent to cause distress or anxiety, especially where it involves deceit or coercion.
7. Notice of Potential Legal Action
   If these infringements on my rights persist, I will be prepared to seek damages from the DWP and from any associates involved in this unethical procedure. I remind the DWP that it is not above universal laws, and a declaration from higher authority does not grant immunity from international accountability. This is not a wartime environment, and such actions cannot be justified under any claimed ‘necessity’.
   In conclusion, I request an immediate cessation of all attempts to access my financial information. I urge the DWP to comply with both national and international legal standards and to respect my rights as guaranteed by law. I am prepared to escalate this matter through all appropriate channels if my rights continue to be infringed.
   Thank you for your attention in this matter.
   Yours sincerely,
   (Your name)

Sorry but another question. They are asking for photo id for my daughter.

They want either a photo of her driving licence or passport. They are asking though that she takes a further photo with her holding either of the documents up to her face.

Any idea why they would need this as well?

They are scrutinising the statements , there have been quite a few people that have been questioned about outgoing payments. It’s such a massive invasion to have to upload your personal documents for strangers and then to be questioned about transactions. Apparently they’ve hired 6000 new UC review staff to get through all UC claimants .

Great thread.

With regards to those of us being asked to provide our photo ID alongside our faces! So you’re aware I have point blank refused this to the agent conducting my UCR via my journal. He replied saying it’s fine and that he can verify my ID via another means during the phone call.

I’ve sent a complaint to DWP as I’m being contacted by three different people via my journal currently, and it’s really starting to irritate me. I’ve worked all my life up until 40 and I’ve been out of work a few months (no fault of my own) and I feel like I’m being harassed and it really isn’t helping me at all! I’ve had a right old rant in my journal and told the UCR agent to leave me alone, and he hasn’t replied since, in the mean time I’ve logged a formal complaint to DWP and if this review continues then I’ll be logging the template message above as a second complaint.

This country is a disgrace, I will sort myself out and get back to work shortly. I’ve got the stress of an employment tribunal case upcoming, which has been a nightmare to prepare with deadlines of 3 months to lodge the claim, where I stand to gain a lot should I succeed, and which I think I have a very good chance of doing so. But all these people working for UC can do is make me feel worse by the continued harassment. My mental health has been shot to pieces and all I see everyday is them nagging me over a few hundred pound a week.

I’ll sooner cancel my claim and got into severe hardship than provide them with my private information. It’s absurd to state the least.

Hi all. I've got the letter from u.c. through and it says to go online to UC and fill in the form as it's changing from ESA to UC. I have pip and it is awarded to 2027, does that mean they won't ask me about my pip etc? I'm so worried about going the form to fill it in. Can you please let me know what they're going to want etc? I've only just received it. I'm in the u.k.

Citizens advice are not accessible where I am. Tried several and all are either not able to get back to you or are closer. Thankyou for your help though! I appreciate the help with it all! So worried about it all!

If you look at the link the CA Help to Claim service operates via phone and webchat, not through local branches.