Universal Credit and Working Tax Credit Reductions 2020-11-30
2020-11-30
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The question arises from an analysis showing that child poverty in Nottingham South increased significantly, with a 68% rise in families claiming universal credit between January and August 2020.
Whether she has made an assessment of the potential effect on (a) working age and (b) child poverty of reducing (i) universal credit and (ii) working tax credit by £20 a week in April 19, considering that there was a significant rise in families claiming benefits.
Analysis by Her Majesty's Treasury shows that Government interventions have supported low-income families, with those in the bottom 10% of income distribution seeing no reduction. The Government will continue to assess how best to support these families based on economic and health context.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific figures or commitments regarding child poverty and working age individuals not provided, only a general statement about government assessments
Under Review
Will Look At The Context
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The question arises from significant increases in child poverty and families claiming benefits, with the Chancellor acknowledging an ongoing economic emergency.
In 2018-19, 34.8% of children in my constituency were living in poverty when housing costs are taken into account, and there was a 68% increase in families claiming universal credit from January to August this year. The Chancellor said the economic emergency has only just begun, with unemployment expected to rise for months to come. How can the Minister argue that universal credit should be cut?
The figures cited are not recognized, and the Chancellor has confirmed the universal credit uplift until March 2021. The Government will wait for clarity on the economic situation before assessing how to best support low-income families.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address the specific concern about cutting universal credit amid rising poverty and unemployment
Do Not Recognise Figures
Will Wait For More Clarity
Response accuracy