Pension snooping powers branded attack on freedom

CAMPAIGNERS have heaped pressure on ministers to scrap new "big brother" powers that could allow the government to snoop on bank accounts of state pensioners.

- Martyn Brown

They warned the measures, designed to battle fraud and error, are a "draconian attack on the civil liberties" of the 12.5 million elderly.

Work and Pensions Secretary Mel Stride admitted it is "not inconceivable" the powers might be used to check on payments of the old-age benefit in the future.

This is despite there being a very low level of fraud and error within the administration of state pensions.

Intrusions

It has prompted a furious backlash with more than 10,000 people signing a petition calling on the measures in the Data Protection and Digital Information Bill - to be withdrawn.

The Silver Voices campaign group for the over-60s is urging the Government to find a less intrusive way to root out problems.