DWP says it decided not to proceed with data-sharing project for Glasgow University research into health impacts of sanctions because of the ‘significant work’ it would entail

Secretary of State tells Work and Pensions Committee that the ‘careful handling’ of sensitive information needed to minimise security risks and preserve confidentiality ‘is not something we could commit to’

Work and Pensions Secretary Mel Stride has told the Work and Pensions Committee that the DWP decided not to proceed with a data-sharing project for Glasgow University research into the health impacts of sanctions on claimants because of the 'significant work' that it would entail.

In a letter to Mr Stride dated 24 May 2023, Work and Pensions Committee Chair Stephen Timms highlighted that –

'The Committee held an interesting and informative evidence session on 10 May relating to the effectiveness of benefit sanctions. We discussed the role of sanctions in a system where there is conditionality, how the UK’s approach compares to other countries and research, including its limitations and constraints in this area.'

Mr Timms added that –

'One theme that emerged from the session was the importance of researchers having access to data to be able to contribute to the evidence base in this area. We understand, for example, that academics from the University of Glasgow have been in contact with your Department since around 2013 to 'establish the research design' for a study on the health impacts of sanctions on claimants and accessing data to inform such a project. They received Ministerial clearance from the then Secretary of State (Rt Hon Esther McVey MP) in April 2018, but this was subsequently reversed by Ministers in July 2022.'

Confirming that the Committee also heard how data is key to undertaking some research studies, including on matters such as the deterrence effect and the wider effects of the sanctions regime, Mr Timms went on to ask the Secretary of State for an explanation as to why the Department had not been able to share such data with researchers to date.

Responding to Mr Timms in a letter dated 7 June 2023, Mr Stride said that –

'My department has taken the decision not to proceed with the data sharing project for a study on the health impacts of sanctions on claimants and has communicated this with the University of Glasgow.

This project focuses on particularly personal and sensitive issues for individuals in a very complex area. Drawing conclusions would need careful consideration and, to minimise security risks to preserve confidentiality as much as possible will take careful handling. This would require DWP to undertake significant work and it is not something we could commit to.'

Mr Stride added that that the Department is working to progress a wider data share with the University of Glasgow as well as a range of data sharing projects with other government departments, some of which will be available for researchers, and that –

'With finite resources available for these projects, we cannot support all requests.'

The correspondence between Mr Stride and Mr Timms is available from parliament.uk