One of the project’s reporters who chooses to report anonymously, sent this report in recently talking about the new draconian powers requested by the DWP, including the right to apply to the courts for the power of search and seizure. She included a link to the Netmum’s report [below] which talks about this issue.
We have added several other links on this subject at the end of the report, including the document in which the DWP asks for these new powers, which include the right for officers to apply to the courts for search and seizure orders that would permit them to enter your home and seize electronic devices so that they can access social media and bank accounts.
The scaremongering tone of these stories are having a negative impact on vulnerable people’e health, something that became more evident after talking to the reporter who submitted this piece.
Although it is true that the DWP has applied for new powers they have yet to be granted them and many aspects of the DWP proposals are not financially viable [Such as forcing banks to spy on people claiming benefits].
Although, the idea that the DWP would even consider applying for these powers is very frightening but the reporting on this issue is designed to generate clicks rather than to inform people of the issue and its various implications.
Brave New World – Anon.
This is worrying, as this proposal intends to treat people like prisoners.
I cannot understand why people are in favour of this. [In a survey conducted for the DWP over half of respondents said they felt positive overall about the new powers described in the survey, while 21% of respondents felt negatively about the new powers and 25% reported that they felt neutral: – ED]
Does this mean that people could be arrested any time and their connection to the world and their possessions and information stolen on a whim without help from the police or courts? [The Netmum’s report makes it sound like officers would be able to enter your home on a whim but any new powers, if they are to be granted, would involve officers applying to the court before being able to enter a domicile- Ed]
This creates extreme anxiety and paranoia that such things could be possible without proper consideration and scrutiny. It is extremely frightening.
This should be stopped as this is very dangerous.
The unbelievable horror stories seem to be coming out in the press more and more. It is very concerning.
Other online reports on this issue
https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/lifestyle/money/dwp-officers-proposed-arresting-powers-27039866
https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/cost-of-living/dwp-could-powers-arrest-search-28033556
https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/cost-of-living/dwp-could-powers-arrest-search-28033556
https://www.staffordshire-live.co.uk/news/uk-world-news/dwp-could-power-ask-banks-8880005
https://www.thenational.scot/news/20152426.dwp-given-arrest-powers-draconian-fraud-crackdown/
