Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment his Department has made of the extent of problems new universal credit claimants are having with the digital service claimant journey.

Over 80% of people are satisfied with their experience of Universal Credit and are comfortable managing their finances.

The main route to access Universal Credit is through digital channels and 99% of Universal Credit claims are made online. Wi-Fi and computers are available in Jobcentres across the country, including 8000 additional computers installed to support the introduction of Universal Credit. This provides digital access in every Jobcentre for claimants to use when they do not have access at home. A free telephone helpline and face to face support are also available for claimants to make and manage a Universal Credit claim.

We are also making £200m available for Universal Support which provides advice, assistance or support from Jobcentre Plus or local partners to help Universal Credit claimants with managing their claim or award of Universal Credit, including building their IT confidence.