Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Legacy Benefits and Universal Credit

Monday 19 October 2020 · 4 questions

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 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial Department reviews its processes and services to claimants using a test and learn approach.
  • Two-week run-on of DWP income-related benefits was introduced in July to support claimants during transition.
  • Government agrees that universal credit should offer flexibility to support people affected by the economic downturn caused by coronavirus.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Mark Jenkinson
Benefits & Welfare
Context

The MP is concerned about claimants' smooth transition from legacy benefits to universal credit.

Question

What steps her Department has taken to support an effective transition between legacy benefits and universal credit. Claimants should be supported during this change.

Answer from Will Quince

My Department continually reviews its processes and the service it provides to claimants using a long-standing test and learn approach. In July, we introduced a two-week run-on of DWP income-related benefits, which is in addition to the existing two-week extension of housing benefit that is already payable to eligible claimants.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not address specific steps beyond introducing run-ons and extensions

How: Continually Reviews Processes

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Q2 Jo Gideon
Economy Benefits & Welfare
Context

The MP highlights the economic downturn affecting families in Stoke-on-Trent and seeks flexibility in universal credit to support those affected by local lockdowns.

Question

With difficult times ahead for Stoke-on-Trent families hit by the economic downturn caused by coronavirus, does my hon. Friend agree that it is more important than ever for universal credit to offer any necessary flexibility to ensure people get the support they need to return to work, particularly those affected by local lockdown restrictions?

Answer from Will Quince

I absolutely agree with my hon. Friend. Universal credit is designed to support people into work. It supports those who need help and is fair to everyone who pays for it. Throughout the pandemic many, sadly, have lost their jobs or seen their incomes reduced. Thankfully, universal credit and the Government's £9.3 billion investment in the welfare safety net have been there to help catch many of those affected, and that has been vital for the 3 million people who have made a benefit claim since March.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not address flexibility specifically but acknowledged support during pandemic

How: Agreed With Questioner

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Q3 Mark Jenkinson
Employment Benefits & Welfare
Context

The MP commends the Workington Jobcentre Plus for its role and seeks a commitment to increasing the number of work coaches.

Question

Our plan for jobs will help people get the skills they need at every stage of their lives and delivers on our promise to level up opportunity across the country. Will my hon. Friend join me in paying tribute to the brilliant work coaches of Workington jobcentre, and commit to increasing the number of work coaches across the jobcentre network?

Answer from Will Quince

I too pay tribute to the brilliant work coaches in Workington Jobcentre Plus, who I know have done an incredible job in particular around partnership working, and I can point to the Maryport GP surgery outreach work, the youth hub, the sector-based work academy programmes and the virtual mentoring circle by Workington jobcentre. That is brilliant work and, yes, I can absolutely confirm that we are investing £895 million in doubling the number of work coaches and Jobcentre Pluses by March 2021.

Answered
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Q4 Vicky Foxcroft Lab Lewisham North
Benefits & Welfare
Context

The MP has previously raised concerns about the £20-a-week universal credit uplift not being extended to legacy benefit claimants, especially those who are disabled.

Question

To date, the uplift could have given legacy benefit claimants £600 of extra support. Minister, can we please have a straight answer today: will anything be done to rectify this?

Answer from Will Quince

The hon. Lady is right in that she has asked this question on three occasions, and she has had three answers. The legacy benefits were increased by 1.7% in April 2020, following the Government's announcement to end the benefit freeze. It has always been the case that claimants on legacy benefits can make a claim for universal credit if they believe that they will be better off.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not address rectifying the situation but provided previous answers and eligibility information

How: Repeatedly Asked This Question

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