The Digester

MPs have threatened a fresh inquiry after delays in the Department for Work and Pensions redress plans for carers wrongly issued overpayment bills based on unlawful earnings guidance.

MPs are considering a fresh Commons inquiry after the committee chair raised concerns about a series of DWP missteps.
The DWP changed its averaging guidance in September 2025 and formally accepted the rules were faulty in November 2025 following the Sayce review.
Some carers received repayment demands after the department admitted the guidance was unlawful, including a December demand calculated under the old rules.
A Guardian investigation found DWP errors left hundreds of thousands of carers unfairly in debt and led to some wrongful fraud convictions.
Carers and charities say people are stuck in limbo because reassessment plans are delayed and tribunal hearings are postponed.
The DWP says it has accepted most Sayce recommendations and has hired staff, updated guidance, and improved letters.

MPs warn of new inquiry into DWP carers allowance scandal

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