Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Covid-19: Support for Universal Credit Claimants

Monday 8 March 2021 · 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 1 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • We have injected over 7 billion into our welfare system, including a six-month extension of increased universal credit standard allowance until September.
  • I thank my hon Friend for her advocacy for her constituents in Hastings and Rye.
  • Since April 2019, we have provided funding to Citizens Advice and Citizens Advice Scotland to deliver Help to Claim, offering specific and targeted support.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Sally-Ann Hart
Benefits & Welfare
Context

The question arises from concerns about the welfare support available to individuals affected by the pandemic, particularly those relying on Universal Credit. There is a need to address the ongoing financial and logistical challenges faced by these claimants.

Question

What steps she is taking to support universal credit claimants during the covid-19 outbreak?

Answer from Will Quince

We have injected over £7 billion into our welfare system, including increasing the universal credit standard allowance for a further six months until September, providing claimants with an additional £1,560-worth of support over 18 months. We are extending the minimum income floor relaxation to July 2021 for all self-employed UC claimants affected by the economic impact of covid-19, and we are increasing the number of work coaches by 13,500 this financial year.

Answered
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Q2 Sally-Ann Hart
Benefits & Welfare
Context

While Universal Credit has been a positive during the pandemic, there is recognition that ongoing tailored support is necessary to meet the diverse needs of claimants. The question seeks specific actions to enhance this service.

Question

Universal credit has helped millions of people during covid, including thousands in Hastings and Rye. It is one of the positive news stories to come out of the pandemic, but it is clear that many universal credit claimants need ongoing support tailored to their specific circumstances. What steps is my hon. Friend taking to deliver a strengthened universal credit support service that meets the needs of claimants and ensures a consistent and streamlined service for claimants, not just in Hastings and Rye, but across the country?

Answer from Will Quince

I thank my hon. Friend for that question. She is a strong advocate for her constituents in Hastings and Rye. Since April 2019, and throughout the covid pandemic, we have provided funding to Citizens Advice and Citizens Advice Scotland to deliver Help to Claim, which gives specific and targeted support for those people needing additional support to successfully make a universal credit claim. I am pleased to say that we will be funding that support for a further 12 months.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer does not provide specifics on how the service will be strengthened or streamlined.

How: Funding Existing Services Rather Than Detailing New Measures

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