The Social Security (Further Methods of Recovery) Regulations 2026 have been announced, outlining new methods for the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to recover outstanding debt. These regulations were the subject of an exchange of letters between Stephen Brien, chair of the Social Security Advisory Committee (SSAC), and Baroness Sherlock, the DWP Minister of State (Minister for Lords).
Under the new rules, the DWP can recover debt through Direct Deduction Orders from bank accounts. This method will be applied in situations where debt recovery cannot be achieved via existing benefit or PAYE (Pay As You Earn) routes.
Furthermore, if recovery from bank accounts proves unsuccessful, the regulations allow for applications to be made to the magistrates' court for disqualification from driving.