Universal Credit Review - data protection breach!

That would be great if you could.

then you.

What’s even more interesting is there are two people that have point blank refused to give them bank statements due to them breaching privacy laws, and they still receive their money.

You are entitled to that money and refusing to send in bank statements doesn’t take away your entitlement. I think it’s a case of so many people willingly hand them over without question they are sort of getting away with the threat, and everyone else follows suit.

I read a case where they stopped someone’s benefit because he didn’t have a bank account, he went to appeal and was refused, then higher and they said “not having a bank account doesn’t mean he’s not entitled to the money”

Being willing to show them the incoming amounts and savings should be more than enough for them to see what they “apparently” need to. If they aren’t interested in what people are spending their money on, why do they need to see personal spending? It really is that simple. People shouldn’t need to show that much even.

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)

Thanks for this Biss!

When you mentioned some people have been successful, have they stopped the review completely after submitting the redacted statements?

I agree with you 100%. People are doing it due to the fear of losing their money. It’s all do wrong!

Regarding appointee/ shared bank account several other members have posted a similar dilemma, unfortunately none came back with an outcome as to what UC accepted etc.

The selfie with photo ID is to verify her identity as the claimant.

Hi, I am new here and have just received a UC demand for 4 months statements and to hold my passport against my face at my front door which i am very opposed to. They had my passport at the beginning. Any help how to move forward would be very much appreciated. Thanking you

Well said!

There needs to be more people like you that will stand up to this sort of thing.

I hope everything works out for you.