Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether he has made an assessment with Cabinet colleagues of the potential impact of (a) debt collection practices and (b) the use of bailiffs by (i) private companies, (ii) local authorities and (iii) other public bodies on the mental health of people in financial difficulties.

We recognise the effect that debt collection practices and the use of bailiffs can have on some people’s mental health. That is why we have worked with colleagues at HM Treasury and the Money and Pensions Service to promote the mental health Breathing Space scheme, which gives those with mental ill health facing financial difficulties space to receive debt advice, without pressure from creditors or mounting debts.