Oral Answers to Questions

Karen Lee Excerpts

Monday 13th November 2017 Commons Chamber

[Ms Karen Lee (Lincoln) (Lab)]

5. If he will make an assessment of the effect of the length of waiting time to receive universal credit on levels of food poverty.

[The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (Mr David Gauke)]

The availability of advances at the start of a universal credit claim ensures that those who need money immediately can access it. Our data shows that around half of claimants are receiving advances, and we have recently undertaken an exercise to improve awareness and access to this support.

[Ms Lee]

The manager of a food bank in Lincoln has said that there is evidence of a clear correlation locally between the introduction of universal credit—in Lincoln, we have only had it partially so far; we are getting full roll-out in March—and an increase in the use of food banks. I ask for your comments on that, and do Government Members, including yourself, think it is acceptable that people in Lincoln and across this country are starving but for food banks because of waiting for universal credit payments.

[Mr Speaker]

I would not presume to say what is acceptable for the people of Lincoln—that is way above my pay grade—but the Secretary of State might wish to proffer an opinion on the matter, and we look forward to it with interest and anticipation.