The Government Debt Management Function has published a Vulnerability Toolkit which ensures ‘vulnerable’ citizens who are in debt to the public sector are handled with compassion and support by frontline staff

The new guidance will be accessible to government departments and public bodies, enabling them to identify and assist people whose physical or mental health may affect their ability to repay sums owed to the Government.

Cabinet Office minister, Lord Agnew, said:

“This new guide will ensure an individual’s hardship and circumstances are factored into their cases by government bodies.

“At a time when the country continues on its path to build back better from the pandemic, it’s vitally important we don’t lose sight of the need to not leave anyone behind in the process.”

By identifying those people who have got into financial trouble due to vulnerabilities, the Toolkit will allow the government to focus on those who are deliberately trying to avoid repaying.

Reasons for debt to public sector creditors include overpayment of benefits, council tax arrears or outstanding fines.

The toolkit can be found here