Universal Credit Predecessor Schemes
2021-11-08
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The question arises from the need to assess the effectiveness and value of Universal Credit compared to previous benefits schemes.
What assessment has been made of the utility and value of universal credit compared to predecessor schemes?
Universal credit is a modern, tailored, resilient benefit responding effectively to economic conditions. It replaces six outdated and complex benefits with one, helping to simplify the benefits system and providing a safety net in times of need and, of course, making work pay.
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Assessment & feedback
The assessment requested is not addressed specifically; instead, it is described generally without concrete evaluation details.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The question addresses the Centre for Social Justice's original design of Universal Credit with a specific taper rate, and queries the current high numbers of people on Universal Credit despite job vacancies.
When the Centre for Social Justice originally designed the universal credit system, it was with a 55p taper. This reform is long overdue and very welcome. The fact remains that there are still record numbers of people on universal credit, 60% of whom are not working at all. We have record job vacancies and a labour shortage. What more can we do? How can we get more people back into work?
The thing that has impressed me the most since taking on this ministerial responsibility is the sheer enthusiasm of our work coaches. I definitely recommend that my right hon. Friend's constituents speak to the work coaches to find out what opportunities are available to them, particularly through skills and through restart, to get involved in new sectors through the sector-based work academy programme. Huge opportunities are available for people, and they need to be explored.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about additional measures is not directly answered; instead, it suggests exploring existing programmes without concrete steps.
Response accuracy