This privacy notice was superseded on 24 March 2023
This version was valid from 20 December 2022 to 24 March 2023
Please see our full Privacy Notice
The reasons we use your data
- to carry out benefit assessments and provide advice about entitlement to benefits
- to process benefit claims
- to process and consider appeals for benefit decisions
- to determine and process overpayments of benefit
- to process applications for discretionary housing payments
- to maximise your income and source any additional financial help for you
- to assist with the prevention, investigation and prosecution of any fraudulent activity
Why we are allowed to use your data
Legal obligation under various UK laws including but not limited to:
- Housing Act 2004
- Social Security Act 1998
- Social Security Administration Act 1992
- Social Security Contributions and Benefits Act 1992
- Welfare Reform Act 2012
- Local Government Finance Act 1992 (and its associated regulations)
Who we can share your data with
- contractors (to post correspondence)
- enforcement agents
- government departments
- HM Courts and Tribunals Service
- internal departments
- landlords
- Local Government Ombudsman
- other local authorities
- police
When computers make any decisions about you
Automated processing of records provided from the Department for Work and Pensions.
How long we keep your data for
We keep all records relating to benefits for as long as you have a live and ongoing claim with us. Even if your claim is closed, we will keep your Benefit records for the current financial year and for the six financial years following the year that your claim is closed. We may keep your data longer in certain circumstances, for example if you were overpaid benefit and you are still paying that benefit back to us – we will keep your data for the current year and for the six financial years following the date you repaid the total overpayment.
When your data gets sent to other countries
Not applicable
Please see our full Privacy Notice
This privacy notice was superseded on 24 March 2023
This version was valid from 20 December 2022 to 24 March 2023