Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Covid-19: Universal Credit Applications

Monday 29 June 2020 · 1 question

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 0 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial Questions on 2020-06-29 focused on Covid-19 and Universal Credit applications.
  • Diana R. Johnson from Hull North inquired about preparing to remove the five-week wait for Universal Credit due to rising unemployment.
  • The Department has processed an unprecedented number of claims and provided over 6.5 billion to support those in need.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Diana R. Johnson Lab Hull North
Benefits & Welfare
Context

With unemployment in Hull expected to rise, Diana R. Johnson questions the readiness of the Universal Credit system.

Question

When the job retention scheme is wound down, we will see a second wave of universal credit applications on top of the 70% increase already seen in Hull. With unemployment forecast to reach about 16%, should not this be the time to prepare for removing the five-week wait for Universal Credit and making the £20 increase permanent?

Answer from Will Quince (Minister of State, Department for Work and Pensions)

The Department has processed an unprecedented number of claims during this period. We have put over £6.5 billion into our welfare system to support those who need it quickly. In terms of the five-week wait, nobody has to wait five weeks for a payment; an advance is available usually within a couple of days for those who need it.

Answered

Not addressed: The £20 increase was not addressed in relation to making it permanent.

How: Redirecting Focus

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email