Oral Answers to Questions

Chris Ruane Excerpts

Wednesday 13th June 2018 Commons Chamber

[Stuart Andrew]

My right hon. Friend is absolutely right. People who are on universal credit are spending 50% more time looking for a job than they did on jobseeker’s allowance. They are getting into work quicker and when they are staying in work, they are staying there longer. The figures are quite staggering: 86% of people on universal credit are looking to increase their hours, because they can do so, compared with just 38% on JSA.

[Chris Ruane (Vale of Clwyd) (Lab)]

The Department for Work and Pensions’ own figures show that 44% of universal credit claimants have seen their arrears rise by the time that they are nine months into their claim. Many of these claimants are vulnerable because they have issues with mental ill health, literacy and using computers, or they may have experienced domestic violence and recent bereavement. Whatever the reason, nearly half of them are suffering financially as a result of universal credit. Will the Minister and his team meet Opposition Members and advice agencies from Wales to discuss these issues and to see how we can improve this dreadful situation?

[Stuart Andrew]

There are a number of reasons why people who come to universal credit have arrears—I presume that the hon. Gentleman is talking about housing costs arrears and rent arrears. Some of those people had arrears when they were on JSA. That said, we have listened very carefully. That is why in the Budget we made provision that from now on, people who are going on to universal credit will have two weeks’ extra payment to address that need.

--- Later in debate ---

[Mr Speaker]

Alison Thewliss—not here. Tom Brake—

[Chris Ruane (Vale of Clwyd) (Lab)]

Not here!

[Mr Speaker]

Order. Mr Brake is here. He is always here. He stands every week and he is going to be heard.