§ Mr. WillettsTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what powers local authority fraud investigators have to request information from banks relating to suspected benefit fraudsters. [146353]
§ Mr. RookerLocal authorities have the power to make inquiries of employers in cases where their employees are claiming or receiving housing benefit or council tax benefit where fraud is suspected.
Powers to obtain information from banks and other specified private sector organisations on suspected fraudsters are to be introduced in the Social Security Fraud Bill currently before Parliament.