MPs discussed making further changes to legislation
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued an update after questions emerged about how it shares data with local councils. The statement follows discussions at the Work and Pensions Committee, where policy experts examined potential changes to the DWP benefits system aimed at ensuring people access the support available to them.
Fabian Chessell, who leads central government work at Policy in Practice, argued for enhanced data sharing to strengthen “employment support” for claimants. He took aim at the Government’s devolution bill, unveiled in July 2025, for failing to address data sharing arrangements.
The proposed law would grant mayors additional powers and establish Strategic Authorities across English regions, with responsibility for matters including housing, skills, and employment support. The bill is presently being examined in the House of Lords.
On the devolution proposals, Mr Chessell stated: “If we’re giving them power, we need to give them data.” He also pointed to current legislation that could be modified to enhance data sharing, reports the Mirror.
Section 72 of the Welfare and Pensions Reform Act 1999 permits the “exchange of information” between Government departments and employers relating to individuals claiming working-age benefits. Mr Chessell explained that this legislation “creates the gateways for sharing employment data with councils today from DWP and HMRC” and could be revised to enable greater data sharing.
He appealed to the committee: “Let’s do the simple thing. There’s a lot of complex questions in front of us, this isn’t one of those.”
A DWP spokesperson commented: “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.
“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.”
The DWP also noted it regularly works to raise awareness of available benefits through campaigns such as Help for Households. Those who believe they may be missing out on benefits can use the Government website’s benefits calculator tool to determine their eligibility.