McNarry calls on Government to compensate Families for any costs due to Data Protection Failure
Ulster Unionist Chief Whip David McNarry MLA today called on the Government to compensate people who have been forced to incur bank charges through changing bank accounts as a result of the massive data protection failure by HM Revenue and Customs.
“If people have to incur bank or other charges as a result of having to change bank details because their personal details have been compromised because of this massive mistake by Government then the Government, which had admitted full responsibility, should have to pay for any costs incurred.”
“Apologies are not enough in such a massive failure to protect the public, leaving 25 million people exposed to potential fraud. People could at least expect any charges they incur making changes to personal data to be paid for. The Inland Revenue would be quick enough to demand payments from the public if they made a mistake.”
“The mechanism to pay already exists in child benefit payments. If the Government even issued a standard payment and this was worked out with the banks, they could pay it across the board to child benefit recipients who have had their personal information compromised by sloppy government procedures.”