Digital Switchover (Disclosure of Information) Bill : explanatory notes

The term 'digital switchover' refers to the process by which analogue television broadcasting signals will be phased out in favour of digital signals, enabling more television channels to be carried using less radio spectrum than is currently used and allowing digital television to be received via a conventional aerial as well as on other platforms.

A key part of the Government's switchover policy is to ensure that adequate advice and assistance is available to those who need it to convert under the Digital Switchover Help Scheme, using social security data to identify people in eligible categories and maximise take-up levels.

In light of the legal controls that govern the disclosure of social security information, this Bill seeks to create a legal authority for the disclosure of such data by the Department for Work and Pensions and the Department for Social Development in Northern Ireland to relevant persons in connection with the Scheme.