Universal Credit Wales 2021-09-13
2021-09-13
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Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The question arises from a concern about the number of people receiving universal credit who are also employed.
How many people in Wales in receipt of universal credit are in work?
In June 2021, there were 107,000 people on universal credit in employment in Wales.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The question is prompted by concern over the impact of a £20 weekly reduction in universal credit, affecting local businesses and job seekers.
Can you explain to us how many extra hours at the national minimum living wage people on universal credit who are also employed would have to work to get that £20?
That of course would depend on their individual circumstances, but to answer the hon. Gentleman's question, the Government have always been clear that the £20 increase was a temporary measure to support households affected by the economic shock of covid-19. There have been significant positive developments in the public health situation since the uplift was introduced, with the success of the vaccine roll-out, restrictions being lifted and our economy opening up, and now there are more than 1 million live vacancies in our jobs market. I will take one issue with what the hon. Gentleman said: he referred to a cut. A cut would represent savings. There are no savings. What he is proposing is an extra £6 billion to £9 billion, which would need to be raised by taxes.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific number of hours required at the national minimum living wage was not addressed.
Referred To A Cut As Savings
Discussed Public Health Situation And Job Vacancies
Response accuracy