Universal Credit £20 Covid-19 Payment 2020-10-19
2020-10-19
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about the difference in benefits between Jobseeker's Allowance and Universal Credit.
I am concerned that jobseeker's allowance has not been increased by £20 per week as universal credit was. If she will increase jobseeker's allowance by £20 per week in line with universal credit.
The 2020-21 universal credit increase was included in a package of welfare measures worth around £9.3 billion this year to help people with the financial consequences of what has happened with the covid-19 pandemic. I continue to work with the Treasury on the best ways to support those receiving benefits.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about increasing Jobseeker's Allowance by £20 per week was not addressed.
Under Review
Continuing To Work
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The policy of suspending the minimum income floor for self-employed Universal Credit claimants is due to expire on November 13.
Does the Secretary of State still intend to end the suspension of the minimum income floor for self-employed universal credit claimants, which is due to expire on 13 November?
That policy is still under review. Clearly, this is a matter of discussion, because the regulations do come to an end. It is important to recognise that we have different measures happening around different parts of the country.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about ending the suspension was not addressed.
Under Review
Discussion
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The Select Committee's report calls for new starter payments to claimants of Universal Credit and a permanent £20 per week increase.
The Select Committee's report published today calls for new starter payments to claimants of universal credit to help tide them over the very difficult five-week wait for their first regular benefit payment, and for the £20 a week increase, which the Secretary of State has referred to, to be made permanent. How can it possibly be justified for people claiming jobseeker's allowance and employment and support allowance to receive £20 a week less than people in identical circumstances who happen to be claiming universal credit?
On what happened with legacy benefits and universal credit, I think the rationale was set out clearly at the time; in particular, it was also about having a rate that was quite similar to statutory sick pay. We will look carefully at the report that the right hon. Gentleman and his Committee have issued to us today.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about addressing disparity and implementing recommendations was not fully addressed.
Rationale Set Out
Look Carefully At
Response accuracy