Written questions by Eastwood.

Whether his Department has made an estimate of the number of motability cars handed back as a result of the introduction of telematics systems for younger drivers.

The Department for Work and Pensions is responsible for the disability benefits that provide a passport to the Motability Scheme. Motability Foundation is an independent charitable organisation and is wholly responsible for the terms and administration of the Scheme, including the use of the telematics system. Motability and the department continue to work closely to consider how the Scheme can utilise telematics and other systems to ensure it is used for its intended purpose to support disabled people and their transport needs. Data on telematics and cars recovered from the Scheme are a matter for Motability.

Whether his Department has considered reducing the age range for the motability scheme telematics system to 25.

The Department for Work and Pensions is responsible for the disability benefits that provide a passport to the Motability Scheme. Motability Foundation is an independent charitable organisation and is wholly responsible for the terms and administration of the Scheme, including the use of the telematics system. Motability and the department continue to work closely to consider how the Scheme can utilise telematics and other systems to ensure it is used for its intended purpose to support disabled people and their transport needs. Data on telematics and cars recovered from the Scheme are a matter for Motability.

Whether she has considered pausing the creation of new Carer’s Allowance overpayment debts until after the independent review into Carer’s Allowance overpayments has published its recommendations.

We recognise that overpayments have caused anxiety for some people. This is why it is important to take the time to independently review these circumstances, so we can find out exactly what went wrong and make things right. The review is not a substitute for legal proceedings and the existence of the review does not prejudice any business-as-usual activity by DWP. It would not be appropriate to speculate on the findings of the review or pre-empt any potential outcomes. We do carefully balance our duty to the taxpayer to recover overpayments with safeguards in place to manage repayments fairly. Carers have a responsibility to ensure they are entitled to benefits and to inform the DWP of any changes in their circumstances that could impact their award. Support remains in place with DWP’s Debt Management Service available to speak to anyone who has had an overpayment about the terms of their repayment.

With reference to her statement of 17 December 2024 on Women’s State Pension Age Communication: PHSO Report, Official Report columns 167 to 169, whether her Department has made an estimate of the annual cost of implementing a compensation scheme for affected women in Northern Ireland.

The State Pension is a transferred matter in Northern Ireland. These matters are the responsibility of the Department for Communities in Northern Ireland.