In-work Poverty Cost of Living 2022-06-06
2022-06-06
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The question arises from discussions on addressing in-work poverty amidst rising cost of living.
What discussions has the government had with Cabinet colleagues on steps to tackle in-work poverty in light of the increasing cost of living?
This Government have taken decisive action to make work pay, giving 1.7 million families an extra £1,000 per year, on average, through changes to the universal credit taper, work allowances, and increasing the national living wage to £9.50 an hour.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The question stems from a discussion on grants being preferable to loans for financial assistance, extending the principle to universal credit advance payments.
Now that grants are preferred over loans for financial support, will the Secretary of State apply this principle to universal credit advance payments as recommended by the Work and Pensions Committee?
People can choose to get an extra payment of universal credit earlier, spreading it over the entire year, so they effectively receive 13 payments instead of 12. For those moving from legacy benefits, run-ons of different benefits are provided to help with cash transition.
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Assessment & feedback
Applying grants principle to universal credit advance payments
Discussed Similar Topic Earlier
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The issue pertains to the financial disadvantage faced by claimants excluded from statutory maternity pay due to arbitrary rules, who rely on maternity allowance offset against universal credit.
Having a child is one of the tipping points that can plunge families into poverty. Each year thousands of claimants are excluded from statutory maternity pay due to arbitrary rules, forcing them to rely on lower maternity allowance and being worse off than those receiving statutory maternity pay. When will the UK Government address this injustice?
The two benefits are different, reflecting distinct situations; thus, they will be treated differently. The claimant challenged this in court but lost, as the court recognised them as separate benefits.
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Assessment & feedback
Addressing disparity between statutory maternity pay and maternity allowance
Challenged In Court
Different Situations
Response accuracy