Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, pursuant to the Answer of 12 December 2017 to Question 118243, on Travellers: children, what formal process his Department has in place for local authorities to make requests for the sharing of personal data where the welfare or safeguarding of (a) children and (b) other vulnerable people is concerned.

DWP staff are empowered by DWP policy and relevant legislation to take any reasonable steps necessary to address risk to a child or vulnerable adult. Such risks include (but the list is not exhaustive) injury, ill treatment, neglect, physical or sexual abuse and exploitation.

DWP offices have reciprocal points of contact with local authorities in their area. Where an issue arises that gives cause for concern about a child or a vulnerable adult, a proactive disclosure or response to a request will be made by an appropriate officer, subject to departmental guidance. Information provided will be factual and directly relevant to the issue of concern.