Johnny Timpson criticises DWP's vulnerable customer practices

Calls for DWP’s approach to be brought in line with regulated sectors

Jaskeet Briah
clock • 2 min read

Johnny Timpson OBE has called for greater scrutiny of the Department of Work and Pensions’ (DWP) vulnerable customer policy and practices, due to the current carers benefit repayment system.

In early April, the Guardian revealed that tens of thousands of unpaid carers looking after relatives are being forced to repay huge sums to the government. In some cases, they were threatened with criminal prosecution after unknowingly breaching earnings rules by a few pounds a week. Timpson has now asked for the DWP's approach to be brought in line with regulated sectors, including financial services and utilities where there is a "great deal" of focus on improving awareness and support of vulnerable customers, driven by government departments that sponsor regulators in these sectors. ...

To continue reading this article...

Join COVER for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, key trend analysis and industry insights.
  • Stay on top of the latest developments around health and wellbeing, diversity and inclusion and the cost of living crisis.
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletter.
  • Members only access to monthly programme 'The COVER Review'
  • Be the first to hear about our CPD accredited events and awards programmes.

Join now

 

Already a Cover member?

Login

More on Regulation

Industry reacts: FCA statement on vulnerable customers

Industry reacts: FCA statement on vulnerable customers

Protection’s part to play

Cameron Roberts
clock 07 March 2025 • 3 min read
FCA's vulnerability findings flag lack of tailored training and understanding

FCA's vulnerability findings flag lack of tailored training and understanding

Many firms had taken positive action but ‘areas for improvement remain’

Isabel Baxter
clock 07 March 2025 • 6 min read
More work needed to tackle UK 'inflationary pressure' as BoE members warn of further market upheaval

More work needed to tackle UK 'inflationary pressure' as BoE members warn of further market upheaval

Treasury Committee hearing

Sorin Dojan
clock 06 March 2025 • 2 min read