§ Mr. ByersTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security in what circumstances the Benefits Agency will disclose information concerning an individual's benefit entitlement to a third party.
§ Mr. BurtThe information about individuals held in the Benefits Agency's records, including details of benefits paid, is treated as strictly confidential and is not normally released to a third party without the consent of the person concerned. Benefits Agency staff can disclose information to people representing the individual, for example solicitors or advice workers acting on a claimant's behalf.
The agency is bound by the Data Protection Act 1984, and holds its records in accordance with the principles set out in the Act. In accordance with this Act there are occasions when information may be disclosed without the permission of the individual concerned, for example: 390W
- (a) because the court has made an order;
- (b) when it is in the public interest for the information to be disclosed, for example to the police to assist with the investigation of a serious crime;
- (c) to social services or a welfare body because someone is at risk;
- (d) to another Government Department or public body when this is necessary to safeguard public funds.