Covid-19: DWP Update

Desmond Swayne Excerpts

Monday 4th May 2020 Commons Chamber

[Dr Coffey]

I do not agree with the hon. Gentleman; I think UC has reacted very well to the increased challenge. However, I would say to him that there were initially problems with the online verification. There is an additional scheme called “Confirm your identity”, and between that and “Verify” it should be very straightforward for people to get through that part of the claim. I can assure him that he can also arrange for constituents to contact the DWP helpline and be processed that way, too.

[Sir Desmond Swayne (New Forest West) (Con)]

What increment in expenditure has the Treasury provided to my right hon. Friend’s Department since the onset of this coronavirus?

[Dr Coffey]

Our new estimates are being published today or tomorrow, I believe, so I will refer my right hon. Friend to that for the particular element of delegated spend. Overall, however, we estimate an increase of about £6.5 billion in welfare benefits for the nation.