The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has provided a detailed clarification regarding its current and future data sharing arrangements with local councils across England. This statement comes in direct response to recent parliamentary discussions and expert testimony advocating for legislative changes to enhance support for benefit claimants.
Parliamentary Scrutiny and Expert Calls for Reform
During a recent session of the Work and Pensions Committee, policy advocates presented compelling arguments for reforming the DWP's data sharing protocols. The committee heard evidence focused on improving the efficiency and reach of the benefits system, ensuring that individuals receive all the financial support to which they are legally entitled.
Criticism of the Current Devolution Framework
Fabian Chessell, who serves as the central government lead at the organisation Policy in Practice, delivered pointed criticism regarding the Government's devolution bill. This legislation, which was initially introduced in July 2025, is currently undergoing detailed examination in the House of Lords. The bill aims to grant significant new powers to regional mayors and establish Strategic Authorities for each English region, with oversight responsibilities spanning housing, skills development, and employment support initiatives.
Mr Chessell argued that the proposed devolution framework contains a significant oversight. "If we're giving them power, we need to give them data," he stated emphatically to the committee. He highlighted that the current bill lacks specific provisions concerning the crucial exchange of data between central government departments and these new regional authorities.
Existing Legal Gateways and Potential Amendments
The expert witness drew attention to Section 72 of the Welfare and Pensions Reform Act 1999. This existing legislation already permits the "exchange of information" between various Government departments and employers, specifically concerning individuals who are claiming working-age benefits. According to Mr Chessell, this legal clause "creates the gateways for sharing employment data with councils today from DWP and HMRC."
He proposed that this established legislation could be amended relatively simply to facilitate a broader and more effective flow of data, contrasting it with other complex policy challenges. "Let's do the simple thing. There's a lot of complex questions in front of us, this isn't one of those," he urged the committee members.
The DWP's Official Position and Future Plans
In response to these parliamentary discussions, the DWP has now issued a formal update. A departmental spokesperson outlined the current state of data sharing and hinted at future expansions.
The spokesperson confirmed: "Millions of people rely on our welfare system every year and it is vital that it can be accessed by all who need it. We already share income and earnings data with local authorities to help ensure people receive the Housing Benefit and council tax support they're entitled to."
The statement continued, indicating a proactive approach to development: "We're now exploring ways to expand this data sharing with Local Authorities and Mayoral Strategic Authorities, so they can better connect people with employment support." This suggests a recognition of the arguments presented to the committee and a willingness to adapt practices in line with the evolving devolution landscape.
Ongoing Efforts to Promote Benefit Uptake
The DWP also reiterated its commitment to raising public awareness of available financial support. The department pointed to ongoing initiatives such as the Help for Households campaign, which aims to inform citizens about the benefits and support schemes for which they may qualify.
For individuals unsure of their eligibility, the Government's official website hosts a benefits calculator tool. This digital resource allows people to confidentially check which benefits they might be able to claim, ensuring they do not miss out on crucial financial assistance.
The dialogue between policy experts, parliamentary committees, and government departments underscores the ongoing evolution of the UK's welfare and devolution frameworks, with data sharing emerging as a pivotal issue for effective local service delivery and employment support.
