Universal Credit Foreign Nationals 2026-03-09
2026-03-09
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
Data shows a decline in foreign nationals claiming universal credit, but concerns remain about the impact on UK taxpayers and the employment status of these claimants.
What assessment has been made of trends in the number of foreign nationals claiming universal credit? According to the Government's own figures, most foreign nationals who are claiming universal credit are not in work. The Government do not seem to want to do anything to bring that figure down, so will the Minister tell us how much this is costing the UK taxpayer?
The proportion of foreign nationals claiming universal credit who are in work is one third higher than the proportion for people who are British or Irish. The figure is 10% lower in terms of people who are not in work. It is often difficult to extrapolate a specific number because universal credit figures are calculated on a per household basis rather than on an individual basis. If I am able to provide the specific number, I will follow up with him in writing.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide a specific cost figure to the UK taxpayer.
It Is Often Difficult To Extrapolate A Specific Number Because Universal Credit Figures Are Calculated On A Per Household Basis Rather Than On An Individual Basis.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Concerns about the fiscal impact of benefits for foreign nationals, particularly in the context of a rising working-age benefits bill.
The working-age benefits bill is set to reach £171 billion by the end of this Parliament, yet the Government are doing nothing to get it under control. In fact, by scrapping the two-child cap, they have added another £3 billion. It is time to stop spending and get saving. The Conservatives would stop benefits for foreign nationals and save £7 billion a year. Britain cannot be a cash machine for the world. With war in Ukraine and now in the middle east, we must boost our national security, so why are the Government continuing to bankroll benefits for migrants rather than investing in defence?
The Home Secretary has brought forward proposals to extend the period before somebody can achieve settlement from five to 10 years, and there is a consultation under way to move that point from the point of settlement to the point of citizenship. However, if it is the Conservatives' position to suggest that somebody who has worked here for decades, contributed to the system and made a positive contribution to this country should have absolutely no access to support, we have a fundamentally different point of view.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address why the Government is continuing to provide benefits for foreign nationals rather than investing in defence.
The Home Secretary Has Brought Forward Proposals To Extend The Period Before Somebody Can Achieve Settlement From Five To 10 Years
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The working-age benefits bill is projected to reach £171 billion by the end of this Parliament, but the Government has taken actions that increase costs, such as scrapping the two-child cap, adding £3 billion. The questioner suggests saving £7 billion a year by stopping benefits for foreign nationals.
The working-age benefits bill is set to reach £171 billion by the end of this Parliament, yet the Government are doing nothing to get it under control. In fact, by scrapping the two-child cap, they have added another £3 billion. It is time to stop spending and get saving. The Conservatives would stop benefits for foreign nationals and save £7 billion a year. Britain cannot be a cash machine for the world. With war in Ukraine and now in the middle east, we must boost our national security, so why are the Government continuing to bankroll benefits for migrants rather than investing in defence?
The Home Secretary has brought forward proposals to extend the period before somebody can achieve settlement from five to 10 years, and there is a consultation under way to move that point from the point of settlement to the point of citizenship. However, if it is the Conservatives' position to suggest that somebody who has worked here for decades, contributed to the system and made a positive contribution to this country should have absolutely no access to support, we have a fundamentally different point of view.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address why the Government is continuing to provide benefits for foreign nationals rather than investing in defence.
The Home Secretary Has Brought Forward Proposals To Extend The Period Before Somebody Can Achieve Settlement From Five To 10 Years
Response accuracy