Image caption,

Wrongful deductions from an energy company left Helen Timson struggling to pay her rent

By Alex Homer

BBC News

The government is still deducting money from people's Universal Credit to pay their utility bills, despite it losing a legal case concerning other benefits.

Last year, High Court judges said a scheme - which allows money to be taken from people claiming benefits to pay energy bills - was unlawful if the claimant had not first consented.

But the ruling did not cover people on Universal Credit and BBC News has found thousands are still having money taken.

The government says the policy is fair.

It said the scheme protected people from the potential "serious consequences" if bills were not paid - including homelessness, disconnection, court action and ultimately imprisonment. But critics say it is unfair.

'Unlawful'

Under the policy, private utility companies and others can apply to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) for up to 25% of a person's benefits to be paid directly to them - to repay a debt and meet ongoing usage costs.