Member

As I outlined earlier, where it is decided that recovery is appropriate, if individuals are experiencing financial hardship, they are encouraged to contact the DWP’s debt management team. When someone gets in touch, officials have discretion to reduce the repayment rate and, in some cases, temporarily suspend recovery. As my noble friend mentioned, individuals can also approach the department to request an individual waiver, which can be granted in exceptional circumstances following consideration of a range of factors. I will say a bit more about that in a moment, in response to my noble friend’s questions. It may help the Committee to know that the department’s approach to recovering over- payments is set out in the Benefit Overpayment Recovery Guide, which is reviewed regularly. I am happy to share that with noble Lords, if they would find it helpful.