MPs discussed making further changes to legislation
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued an update following queries about its data sharing practices with local authorities. The update came after policy advocates addressed the Work and Pensions Committee on potential reforms to the DWP benefits system, to ensure people receive the support they’re entitled to.
Fabian Chessell, central government lead at Policy in Practice, made the case for increased data sharing to improve “employment support” for claimants. He criticised the Government’s devolution bill, introduced in July 2025, for having nothing to say about data sharing.
The proposed legislation would empower mayors with new authorities and pave the way for Strategic Authorities in each English region, overseeing areas like housing, skills, and employment support. The bill is currently under scrutiny in the House of Lords.
Regarding the devolution plans, Mr Chessell said: “If we’re giving them power, we need to give them data.” He also highlighted existing laws that could be tweaked to boost data sharing.
Section 72 of the Welfare and Pensions Reform Act 1999 allows for the “exchange of information” between Government departments and employers concerning a person claiming working-age benefits. According to Mr Chessell, this legislation “creates the gateways for sharing employment data with councils today from DWP and HMRC” and could be amended to facilitate more data sharing.
He urged 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.” The DWP was approached for comment.
A spokesperson said: “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 said it makes regular efforts to promote awareness of available benefits through initiatives like the Help for Households campaign. If you think you could be missing out on benefits, the Government website offers a benefits calculator tool to check what benefits you may be eligible for.