IDG62660 - Department for Work and Pensions: You possess information about social security fraud, but DWP have not actively requested this information (spontaneous disclosure)
Information may be disclosed without a request from DWP where you believe that the information you hold indicates that there may be a potential benefit irregularity.
What kind of information should I spontaneously disclose?
If you wish to make a spontaneous disclosure please contact the RIS mailbox at DWP, Liaison (RIS CEI-GET Cardiff). The RIS team will then make the disclosure if appropriate.
Procedure to take to spontaneously disclose
If you are considering making a spontaneous disclosure you should contact the Risk and Intelligence Service mailbox at DWP, Liaison (RIS CEI-GET Cardiff) who will then refer the matter to the DWP Operational Intelligence unit (OIU), Birmingham who will decide what information is of value and whether they are interested in receiving this on an ongoing basis or for specific projects. The OIU will refer back to the named contact for any further information, if this is required during their risk assessment process.
Only information that you come across during the course of your duties can be disclosed. You must not specifically seek information on behalf of colleagues in the other department. The information disclosed should include the name and address of the person or business concerned, the National Insurance number, the tax reference number and sufficient information to make it clear why you suspect benefit fraud.
Legislation which allows disclosure
Section 122 Social Security Administration Act 1992 (as amended).
Devolved administrations
This guidance is applicable to England, Wales and Scotland.
For Northern Ireland, all references to DWP include the Social Security Agency (SSA). Similarly, any references to local authorities refer to the Northern Ireland Housing Executive.
Further guidance
If you receive a request for information and are unsure how to proceed, please contact Information Strategy for advice (see IDG90100).
