Vulnerable people who owe councils money will receive better support from frontline workers following the launch of a new toolkit.

The Vulnerability Toolkit will help all public sector staff to identify and assist people whose physical or mental health may affect their ability to repay sums owed to the Government.

The toolkit provides a framework for gaining more information about an individual’s circumstances, and protocols for supporting people in potentially dangerous situations or with mental capacity limitations.

Cabinet Office minister, Lord Agnew, said: 'This new guide will ensure an individual’s hardship and circumstances are factored into their cases by government bodies.

'At a time when the country continues on its path to build back better from the pandemic, it’s vitally important we don’t lose sight of the need to not leave anyone behind in the process.'