Debate contribution: Debt Prevention Measures

Debate contribution by Mr Mark Durkan on 26 January 2026.

MLA: Mr Mark Durkan
Party at the time: Social Democratic and Labour Party
Date: 26 January 2026
Type: Debate contribution
Business: Oral Answers to Questions
Heading: Debt Prevention Measures
Assembly identifier: Official Report component 5340767

Text

I thank the Minister for his answer. That case is far from unique. In November, an independent review of carer's allowance that focused on the issue in England and Wales — the Sayce review — was published by DWP. It found that unclear rules had resulted in thousands of carers' minor earnings breaches having led to major overpayments being accrued. The Government will launch a reassessment exercise this year that will potentially cancel or repay those debts. What is the Department for Communities doing about the issue here?

88 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Part of an exchange

This follow-up belongs to: Topical question AQT 1961/22-27.

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