Oral Answers to Questions

Peter Aldous Excerpts

Monday 1st July 2019 Commons Chamber

[Justin Tomlinson]

We have over 2 million claimants on PIP, and only 5% of the applications have been taken to appeal. I recognise that those who go through the independent appeal process will, more often than not, have a decision overturned, which is why we have been working extremely hard, through a series of pilots within PIP, on the mandatory reconsideration stage and the independent appeals stage, so that we can get hold of the additional oral and written evidence earlier, which is what is often used to get the decision changed. This is an absolute priority for the Secretary of State and we are making sure that we are doing everything we can, as quickly as we can.

[Peter Aldous (Waveney) (Con)]

12. What steps the Government are taking to increase financial support for vulnerable universal credit claimants, compared with the legacy system.

[Nigel Huddleston (Mid Worcestershire) (Con)]

15. What steps the Government are taking to increase financial support for vulnerable universal credit claimants, compared with the legacy system.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (Will Quince)]

Universal credit ensures that support goes to those who need it most by simplifying the previously complicated legacy system, allowing 700,000 more people to receive approximately £2.4 billion in unclaimed benefits. Since 1 April this year, the Citizens Advice and Citizens Advice Scotland Help to Claim service has been in place, providing free, confidential and impartial support to help people, including those who are vulnerable, to make a universal credit claim.

[Peter Aldous]

I acknowledge the work that the Minister and the Secretary of State have done to improve universal credit, though concern remains that the five-week wait for the first payment is presenting a serious challenge to many people. To address this, will he accept the recommendation of the Bright Blue think-tank for one-off, up-front helping hand payments?

[Will Quince]

Those moving to universal credit will get more than 25% of their award through two weeks of additional housing benefit and, as of next year, jobseeker’s allowance, employment and support allowance and income support. Advances are available to cover the interim period, but we recognise the concerns about the payments in arrears and would welcome further ideas.