Oral Answers to Questions

Luke Graham Excerpts

Monday 18th March 2019 Commons Chamber

[Huw Merriman (Bexhill and Battle) (Con)]

3. What comparative assessment her Department has made of the levels of financial support available through (a) universal credit and (b) the legacy system.

[Luke Graham (Ochil and South Perthshire) (Con)]

23. What comparative assessment her Department has made of the levels of financial support available through (a) universal credit and (b) the legacy system.

[The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (Amber Rudd)]

When fully rolled out, universal credit will be £2 billion per year more generous than the support it replaces. As a single system that integrates six legacy benefits, universal credit will enable 700,000 households to access approximately £2.4 billion of welfare that previously went unclaimed. Our welfare reforms are about targeting support at those who need it most.

--- Later in debate ---

[Amber Rudd]

I thank my hon. Friend and near parliamentary neighbour for pointing out the excellent work done by work coaches. The defining difference between universal credit and the legacy benefits that it replaces is that tailored, personal approach, which really helps individuals to get back into work.

[Luke Graham]

What support is being given, through not only universal credit but schemes such as Access to Work, to those who experience mental ill health?

[Amber Rudd]

I thank my hon. Friend for pointing out this important element of universal credit. We are determined to make sure that universal credit really supports the most vulnerable. We are piloting a new scheme in Milton Keynes in which people with mental health difficulties are given an early referral to make sure that their needs are dealt with early on, so that they can be given the appropriate, personal, supportive care that they need.