Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Universal Credit: Covid-19 Income Support Schemes

Monday 14 September 2020 · 2 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Over 3 million claims for Universal Credit have been received since mid-March.
  • The government has a 2 billion kickstart scheme to create hundreds of thousands of job placements.
  • A job retention bonus will pay 1,000 for each furloughed employee still employed by January.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Sarah Champion Lab Rotherham
Benefits & Welfare
Context

The question arises from the conclusion of several temporary government schemes designed to support individuals financially during the pandemic, raising concerns about the adequacy of Universal Credit as a replacement.

Question

What assessment has been made of the potential effect on universal credit claims of the end of COVID-19 income support schemes? Since mid-March, more than 3 million people have claimed Universal Credit, and there are concerns that this number may increase with the cessation of pandemic support measures. What steps is the government taking to mitigate any negative impacts?

Answer from Will Quince

Since mid-March, over 3 million claims for Universal Credit have been received. Over 90% of new eligible claimants were paid in full and on time, demonstrating the system's effectiveness. The government is now focused on its jobs plan, including a £2 billion kickstart scheme to create hundreds of thousands of new fully subsidised jobs.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific assessment requested about Universal Credit claims was not directly addressed with figures or commitments.

How: Focusing On The Success Of Other Schemes, Promoting A Different Government Initiative

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

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

Get updates like this by email
Q2 Sarah Champion Lab Rotherham
Economy Employment
Context

With the end of various coronavirus support measures, there is a risk of significant job losses in towns like Rotherham. The MP seeks specific actions from the government to address potential economic crises.

Question

I appreciate the Minister's response but with coronavirus support schemes being wound down and the Government seemingly unwilling to contemplate their extension, what actual steps is the Minister taking to ensure that towns such as Rotherham are not faced with a generation of mass unemployment, empty shops and closed factories as a result of the pandemic? The winding down of these measures may leave many businesses and individuals without support.

Answer from Will Quince

The coronavirus job retention scheme protected up to 10 million jobs. Support does not end in October; a new job retention bonus will pay £1,000 for each furloughed employee still employed by January. Jobcentre Plus stands ready to assist those who lose their jobs.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific steps requested were not detailed or committed to directly.

How: Mentioning The Success Of Past Schemes, Promoting Upcoming Assistance

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

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

Get updates like this by email