Oral Answers to Questions

Stephen McPartland Excerpts

Monday 21st May 2018 Commons Chamber

The Secretary of State was asked—

[Stephen McPartland (Stevenage) (Con)]

1. What steps she is taking to implement the 2017 Budget changes to universal credit.

[The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (Ms Esther McVey)]

I would like to start by thanking my hon. Friend for his support in securing the Budget changes. We have increased advances, so claimants can receive up to 100% of their entitlement within days of a claim. We have removed waiting days, so the time to the first full payment is reduced, and we have given claimants an additional two weeks of housing benefit to provide extra support when they transition to universal credit.

[Stephen McPartland]

I campaigned hard for those changes, along with Members on both sides of the House, and I am delighted that the Government listened and delivered. Does the Secretary of State have any information or feedback on how those changes are helping claimants on the ground?

[Ms McVey]

People are moving on to universal credit now with a smoother transition. When on universal credit, they are getting into work quicker, staying in work longer and looking for more opportunities in work. They are also getting more personalised support through the claimant commitment, which is helping them whether they are in debt or need IT support. This is about developing universal credit to respond to people’s needs.