a client recently made a report to the DWP of an action, rather than a relevant change of circs - in order to be 'on the safe side' which has raised the question of IS reg 51 and resulted in the suspension of IS and requests for docs and information. This has been made what, judging by the absence of spelling and grammatical errors, looks like a computer- issued two page form which I am not familiar with. it possibly has a pop down menu for the questions on evidence requirements inserted in the 'questions' box on the second page.

below the question and answer boxes is a declaration, very similar to that on the IS claim forms.

"I understand that if i give information that is incorrect or incomplete, action may be taken against me.

I understand that I may lose benefit if I have
o Not answered all the questions on this form that apply to me and my party, if I have one, or
o Not provided all the documents asked for.

I understand that the information I have provided may be checked with other sources. The information may be used for other purposes relating to the work of the Department of Social Security and the Employment Services and may be given to other bodies as permitted by law.
I declare the information I have given on this form is correct and complete."

There is a warning on the first page that benefit may be lost if information etc is not provided, so I'm not sure why the declaration is required, but i'm most concerned by the last one. are claimants being asked to waive their rights under the data protection act? what does it actually mean? what are the implications of joint fraud team working with the local authority? does their signature constitute any sort of informed consent? what would happen if a claimant deleted that part of the declaration?

should we be worried?

jj