To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps he is taking to promote the use of credit unions in the work of his Department; and if he will make a statement.

Government believes it is essential that everyone has access to affordable, good-quality financial products and that credit unions have a role in providing this vital service.

DWP awarded a £38m contract to the Association of British Credit Unions Limited to deliver an expansion project to enable participating credit unions to modernise, expand their services and provide affordable credit to more consumers.

DWP have also publicised the work of credit unions, encouraged DWP staff to join their local credit unions, and have ensured that benefit or pension payments can be paid into any credit union account.