Member

Telling people about it is quite interesting. In response to the points made by the noble Viscount, Lord Younger, the DWP will not explicitly notify an individual at the time that their bank statements are being obtained. This is to avoid tipping them off and, as he suggested, avoiding repayment and moving funds. However, it is not secretive, as others have suggested, because they would have been made aware of the power in advance, as it would be clearly set out in the relevant debt notifications that the DWP may obtain the statements without further warning. This gives the individuals an opportunity and further reason to engage with the DWP. Where the DWP considers that a DDO can be made, at that point it will notify the debtor and any joint account holder that the proposed order has been calculated using the bank statements and invite their representations. Again, as I have said, individuals can avoid the debt recovery actions proposed under Part 2 by engaging with the department regarding their outstanding debt.