§ Kevin BrennanTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what guidance he has issued to officials regarding(a) family birthday and (b) Christmas expenditure when calculating normal household expenditure for the purpose of assessing ability to repay overpayment of benefit. [98557]
§ Malcolm WicksNo guidance has been issued specifically regarding family birthday or Christmas expenditure when calculating normal household expenditure for the purpose of assessing ability to repay overpayment of benefit.
If someone feels that the recovery rate of their overpayment is excessive, consideration can be given to their weekly outgoings to decide if recovery should be made at a lower rate. Basic necessities such as food, clothing or fuel costs are always taken into account when considering this.