Member

As I said previously, the proposed direct deduction order is a power of last resort for people who have not engaged with the department, who are not benefit claimants and who are not in PAYE employment. So, without input from the debtor or a representative on their behalf, the DWP will be unaware that a person may be a victim of domestic abuse—much as I discussed earlier on the position of vulnerable people. That is why our current notifications, and any developed for use in relation to the new powers, will actively encourage debtors to contact the DWP to discuss their circumstances, as well as signpost individuals to independent sources of help and advice, and organisations that can contact the DWP on their behalf, such as Citizens Advice.