I have been speaking with a Borough Council investigation who wrote to
the University requesting information about various students. The letter
said that they were conducting a criminal investigation and requested
disclosure under DPA Section 29.
The investigation is part of a national fraud initiative matching
payment of student loans to claims for housing benefits etc..
I have been told that some universities / colleges are responding
without question whereas my questioning of why they should be given this
data was not welcomed and I have been threatened with a call from the
Audit Commission which I eagerly await!
Coincidentally I have also received a fax from a a company which appears
to be an agency for a council. They give no reason for their request
whatsoever but simply ask for confirmation that a person is studying and
refer to sections 29 and 34 of the Act.
I would be interested to know of other HEIs experience of such requests
and whether or not you do respond under section 29. Perhaps some of the
local authority people on the list might also like to comment on these
approaches by their council colleagues.
John F Hitches
General Administrative Manager
Kingston University
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