Universal Credit Five-week Wait
2020-05-11
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
Over the past seven weeks, Liverpool's local welfare scheme for crisis payments has seen a significant increase in demand.
The demand on Liverpool's local welfare scheme for crisis payments for food and fuel has increased by 164% compared with this time last year. Will the Minister consider easing the plight of many living through this crisis by doubling child benefits and lifting the benefit cap, as requested by the Food Foundation?
We have increased the universal credit and working tax credit standard allowance by more than £1,000 a year, and we have increased local housing allowance rates, putting an average of £600 into people's pockets. On the benefit cap, it is important to stress that those with sustained work records may benefit from a nine-month grace period in relation to the cap.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address doubling child benefits or lifting the benefit cap directly.
Response accuracy