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Written question asked by James McMurdock (Independent (affiliation)) on Monday, 29 June 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 1 July 2026. It was answered by Andrew Western (Labour) on Tuesday, 7 July 2026 on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.

Social Security Benefits: Debts

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, with reference to the Department for Work and Pensions' press release entitled Driving bans for those who refuse to repay benefit debts as new DWP powers come into force, published on 24 June 2026, whether guidance has been issued to officials on determining whether a debtor has the means to repay but has deliberately refused to do so.

Answer

New debt recovery powers agreed by Parliament in the Public Authorities (Fraud, Error and Recovery) Act 2025 are designed to increase fairness and to more effectively and efficiently be able to recover debt from individuals who are not in receipt of benefit or in suitable PAYE employment.

These powers will encourage voluntary repayment as well as ensuring that there is recourse for those who have the means to repay but do not.

Use of these Debt Recovery powers is governed by the published DWP Direct Deduction and Disqualification from Driving Orders Code of Practice, which sets out the strict safeguards that must be followed before any enforcement action is taken.

All DWP debt recovery activity, including through Direct Deduction Order’s or Driving Disqualification only take place once an overpayment decision has been made and communicated to the customer. This communication includes information on mandatory reconsideration and appeal rights.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
14198
Session
2026-27
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Debts Driving Disqualification Social security benefits Non-payment
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk