Universal Credit

Debate between Paul Sweeney and David Gauke

Thursday 23rd November 2017 Commons Chamber

[Mr Gauke]

We have of course put transitional protection into the system. The hon. Lady represents a Scottish constituency; if the Scottish Government wish to provide support for third, fourth and fifth children, they can provide exactly that.

[Mr Paul Sweeney (Glasgow North East) (Lab/Co-op)]

The Secretary of State might be interested to know that Citizens Advice Scotland recently carried out a survey in my constituency and determined that 32% of my constituents do not have any access to the internet and a further 32% would have difficulty accessing the online full service universal credit system. In the context of half the jobcentres in Glasgow being closed, will he consider additional measures to ensure that the interface for the full service universal credit system is improved, so that those claiming universal credit can have increased confidence that they can access the system efficiently?

[Mr Gauke]

The vast majority of people do have access online, but of course it is possible for people to access facilities in jobcentres, and that will continue to be the case.