Poor MEP, debtor needing permit? (7)
I believe the answer is:
empower
'permit?' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
'poor mep debtor' is the wordplay.
'poor' is an anagram indicator.
'debtor' becomes 'ower'.
'mep' with letters rearranged gives 'emp'.
'emp'+'ower'='EMPOWER'
'needing' acts as a link.
(Other definitions for empower that I've seen before include "Authorize" , "Sanction" , "Endow with authority" , "Authorise, endue" , "Give strength and confidence to" .)