Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Colin Clark and Esther McVey

Monday 5th February 2018 Commons Chamber

[Colin Clark (Gordon) (Con)]

6. What assessment she has made of the effectiveness of universal credit in helping people into work.

[The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (Ms Esther McVey)]

Universal credit has had a positive impact since its start, as shown through published research and analysis. Independent research shows us that people are spending more time looking for work, applying for more jobs and even doing jobs they would not have considered doing before.

[Colin Clark]

Constituents in Gordon will face longer waiting times for payments due to the Scottish Government’s policy of fortnightly payment. What support can my right hon. Friend offer the devolved Administration in Edinburgh to help reduce those times?

[Ms McVey]

The advice would be to take the approach of England and Wales. As my hon. Friend says, the Scottish approach delays payment at the end of the assessment period, with 75% rather than 100% of money on time, due to the fortnightly payment.