Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Stephen Timms and Nia Griffith

Monday 26th January 2026 Commons Chamber

[Dame Nia Griffith (Llanelli) (Lab)]

A constituent of mine disclosed full details of her change in circumstances to the Department, but although the Department admitted it was its mistake—it had received that information and had repeatedly failed to update its records—it still sent her a very threatening letter. Although I fully support the need to protect the public purse, would the appropriate Minister agree to meet me to discuss how the Department could improve its updating procedures, reduce the occurrence of overpayments, and treat claimants more considerately when they have received overpayments through no fault of their own?

[Sir Stephen Timms]

I would be very happy to meet my hon. Friend for that discussion.