Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Universal Credit Sanctions

Monday 31 October 2022 · 3 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 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Minister noted that emergency measures during covid led to a low sanctions rate, which was expected to increase when face-to-face appointments were reintroduced.
  • The Minister argued that people are sanctioned only if they fail to attend appointments without good reason or meet agreed requirements.
  • The Minister stated that sanctions are important for work coaches to do their job and engage with claimants, particularly those who face underlying issues like being a care leaver or having home problems.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Dan Carden Lab Liverpool Walton
Benefits & Welfare
Context

The MP noted an increase in sanctions rates for universal credit between November 2021 and May 2022, with current levels being unprecedentedly high. This situation disproportionately affects families struggling due to soaring food prices, energy bills, and rent.

Question

What assessment has the Department made of changes in the level of the sanction rate for universal credit between November 2021 and May 2022? The current sanctions rate is unprecedentedly high, with twice as many people on universal credit being sanctioned compared to three years ago. Families face hunger and freezing homes because of rising costs.

Answer from Mims Davies

The Minister noted that emergency measures during covid led to a low sanctions rate, which was expected to increase when face-to-face appointments were reintroduced. Conditionality is an important part of a fair welfare system, as it encourages claimants to take reasonable steps towards work.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Commitment to raising social security and ending the sanctions regime

How: Conditionality Is An Important Part Of A Fair Welfare System

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Q2 Dan Carden Lab Liverpool Walton
Benefits & Welfare
Context

The MP highlighted that the current sanctions rate for universal credit is unprecedentedly high, affecting families struggling due to soaring food prices and energy bills.

Question

Will the Minister commit to raising social security in line with inflation and end the sanctions regime? Conditionality and sanctions only inflict more hardship on those who are already struggling this winter.

Answer from Mims Davies

The Minister argued that people are sanctioned only if they fail to attend appointments without good reason or meet agreed requirements. Conditionality is an important part of a fair welfare system, encouraging claimants to prepare for work.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Commitment to raising social security and ending the sanctions regime

How: Conditionality Is An Important Part Of A Fair Welfare System

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Q3 Karen Buck Lab
Employment Benefits & Welfare
Context

The Secretary of State indicated there would be a difference in tone within the Department. The Department conducted an examination of sanctions and conditionality, but his predecessor refused to publish it.

Question

Will the Secretary of State now publish the report examining the effects of sanctions and conditionality that his predecessor refused to release? This could inform a debate on the effectiveness of sanctions in the Chamber.

Answer from Mims Davies

The Minister stated that sanctions are important for work coaches to do their job and engage with claimants, particularly those who face underlying issues like being a care leaver or having home problems. Sanctions do not apply to all claimants; work coaches use discretion in such cases.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Commitment to publishing the examination report

How: Sanctions Are Important For Work Coaches

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