Asked by: Lord Kirkwood of Kirkhope (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:
To ask Her Majesty's Government how many Housing Benefit claimants who (1) are currently self-isolating or shielding from COVID-19, and (2) are temporarily absent from their main dwelling within the UK and who intend to return when medically safe to do so, (a) have been granted extensions for a temporary absence from home for 52 weeks, and (b) have had applications for extension on medical grounds rejected, in the last six months.
Answered by Baroness Stedman-Scott - Opposition Whip (Lords)
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) continues to support existing benefit recipients in exceptional cases where their absence from home goes over the period allowed under the temporary absence benefit rules as they are self-isolating due to COVID-19.
Although the DWP has overall responsibility for the Housing Benefit scheme and its funding, local authorities have the statutory responsibility for its day-to-day administration. This includes the assessment of individual claims for benefit. Although local authority staff will keep a record on individual claims when a claimant is absent from home, this information isn’t recorded centrally.
Asked by: Lord Kirkwood of Kirkhope (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what guidance is given to those making decisions on applications by Universal Credit claimants for a temporary absence from home on medical grounds during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Answered by Baroness Stedman-Scott - Opposition Whip (Lords)
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) continues to support existing benefit recipients in exceptional cases where their absence from home goes over the period allowed under the temporary absence benefit rules as they are self-isolating due to COVID-19.
Although the DWP has overall responsibility for the Housing Benefit scheme and its funding, local authorities have the statutory responsibility for its day-to-day administration. This includes the assessment of individual claims for benefit. Although local authority staff will keep a record on individual claims when a claimant is absent from home, this information isn’t recorded centrally.
Asked by: Lord Kirkwood of Kirkhope (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to review the effectiveness of (1) the process for applying for, and (2) the application of the policy for, temporary absences from home on medical grounds for (a) Housing Benefit, and (b) Universal Credit, claimants during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Answered by Baroness Stedman-Scott - Opposition Whip (Lords)
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) continues to support existing benefit recipients in exceptional cases where their absence from home goes over the period allowed under the temporary absence benefit rules as they are self-isolating due to COVID-19.
Although the DWP has overall responsibility for the Housing Benefit scheme and its funding, local authorities have the statutory responsibility for its day-to-day administration. This includes the assessment of individual claims for benefit. Although local authority staff will keep a record on individual claims when a claimant is absent from home, this information isn’t recorded centrally.
Asked by: Lord Kirkwood of Kirkhope (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what consideration they have given to redeploying those health professionals currently under contract to the Department for Work and Pensions and employed by the assessment provider companies Maximus, Capita and Atos to roles within the NHS to assist with the effort to resist the spread of COVID-19.
Answered by Baroness Stedman-Scott - Opposition Whip (Lords)
We are working closely with the Department for Health and Social Care to consider how best to support the NHS during this period whilst ensuring that we can continue to provide financial support to claimants through the benefit system. We welcome our Providers’ continued support and flexibility during this period.
Asked by: Lord Kirkwood of Kirkhope (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:
To ask Her Majesty's Government how many Department for Work and Pensions assessors are currently tasked with carrying out telephone assessments for eligibility to disability benefits.
Answered by Baroness Stedman-Scott - Opposition Whip (Lords)
The information requested is not held. Health Professionals in addition to conducting telephone assessments, can undertake a range of other duties commensurate with their training, for example, scrutiny, quality audit and training.
The Government announced on 16 March 2020 that all face-to-face assessments for all sickness and disability benefits will be suspended. The temporary move, effective from 17 March 2020, is being taken as a precautionary measure to protect vulnerable people from unnecessary risk of exposure to coronavirus as the country's response ramps up in the 'delay' phase. We will ensure those who are entitled to a benefit continue to receive support, and that new claimants are able to access the safety net.
Asked by: Lord Kirkwood of Kirkhope (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to introduce a temporary passporting system to move people on to disability benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Answered by Baroness Stedman-Scott - Opposition Whip (Lords)
As both the Prime Minister and Chancellor have made clear, the Government will do whatever it takes to support people affected by COVID 19 and we have been clear in our intention that everyone should be supported to do the right thing.
Asked by: Lord Kirkwood of Kirkhope (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:
To ask Her Majesty's Government when ministers next plan to meet representatives of local government to discuss the provision of Universal Credit service support in areas of Universal Credit full roll out
Answered by Baroness Buscombe
DWP has a long standing relationship with the local government sector. Most recently, on 25 April 2018, the Rt Hon. Ester McVey, Secretary of State, had a conference call with the Chair and other representatives of the Local Government Association (LGA) to discuss ways of working and future collaboration. Further meetings with the LGA are being planned, to cover a number of topics.
DWP’s Universal Credit Local Authority Engagement Team has continuous engagement with local authorities and we share and obtain feedback with them through a range of engagement approaches on Universal Credit and Universal Support. The team are currently holding the latest round of quarterly engagement events with local authorities and DWP staff in areas where Universal Credit Full Service is available, or soon to be rolled out.
Asked by: Lord Kirkwood of Kirkhope (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to meet representatives of the Trussell Trust to discuss the use of foodbanks in areas of full service rollout of Universal Credit.
Answered by Baroness Buscombe
Officials from the Department for Work and Pensions meet regularly with key stakeholders including the Trussell Trust, where a range of issues are discussed. We are also currently reviewing research carried out by organisations including the Trussell Trust to add to our understanding of food bank use and will consider requirements to add to our evidence base.
Asked by: Lord Kirkwood of Kirkhope (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:
To ask Her Majesty's Government how many Universal Credit applicants in full service areas have been allowed conditionality easements to date as a result of reported domestic abuse.
Answered by Baroness Buscombe
The information requested is not readily available and to provide it would incur disproportionate cost.
When a claimant reports domestic abuse to the Jobcentre Plus we will review their conditionality requirements, and provide easements where appropriate.
Asked by: Lord Kirkwood of Kirkhope (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to provide standalone training modules for Jobcentre Plus staff to enable them to deal with applications for Universal Credit from victims of physical or mental domestic abuse.
Answered by Baroness Buscombe
In supporting victims of domestic violence, the Jobcentre offers a range of support open to survivors and those still experiencing domestic abuse.
Work Coaches delivering Universal Credit undergo a comprehensive learning journey designed to equip them with the tools, skills and behaviours required to provide a high quality service to all claimants. Specific training and guidance is provided for working with different vulnerable groups, including people who have been the victims of domestic violence.
Work Coaches will signpost claimants to national and local organisations who can provide specialist support and apply the domestic violence easement, switching off all work-related requirements for a period of time.
A national call was held recently to raise awareness and understanding of domestic abuse across the Jobcentre network and a video has been produced to highlight good practice when supporting individuals who have been or are currently in a domestic abuse relationship.