Written question asked by Sydney Chapman (Conservative) on Tuesday, 17 June 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 23 June 2003. It was answered by Maria Eagle (Labour) on Monday, 23 June 2003 on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.

Dept for Work and Pensions

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if it is his policy to make regular deductions from benefits payments of people in receipt of certain benefits (a) to repay debt and (b) to pay for current energy consumption.

Answer: Sir Sydney Chapman: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if it is his policy to make regular deductions from benefits payments of people in receipt of certain benefits (a) to repay debt and (b) to pay for current energy consumption. [120594] Maria Eagle: The Third Party Deduction Scheme provides protection as a last resort for vulnerable people with fuel debt who are threatened with the disconnection of a fuel supply. Deductions may be made from income support or, in some cases, from jobseeker's allowance, for both arrears and current fuel consumption. These deductions are paid direct to the fuel supplier until the debt is cleared. Where people have a history of chronic mismanagement of fuel or utility bills, deductions may continue for current consumption. Either the benefit recipient who has accrued fuel arrears or their supplier may ask to take part in the scheme.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 120594; 407 c625-6W;407 c627-8W
Session: 2002-03
Subjects: Debts Consumption Deductions Energy Social security benefits Repayments
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk