Can the scheme use my personal information without my consent? What are some examples where my consent is not required for the scheme to access or use my personal information?

Schemes can collect, use and share your personal information without your consent if the purpose of doing so is permitted or required by law, or is in the public interest. Some examples include relying on the Public Sector Governance Act (PSGA) to disclose data for the purpose of improving (directly or indirectly) the efficiency or effectiveness of policies, programme management or service planning and delivery. This example is one of the 7 purposes set out in the PSGA for which identifiable data can be shared without consent.

However, personal information about you that is legislatively locked such as your financial information cannot be accessed by the schemes without first obtaining your consent.