Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, pursuant to the Answer of 4 June 2018 to Question 147881 on Universal Credit, what information his Department holds on the number of claimants of universal credit that are in rent arrears.

Our published research shows that many people come onto Universal Credit with pre-existing rent arrears. We also know that arrears are usually temporary and the majority of claimants do succeed in paying their rent, managing their monthly payments and clearing their arrears over time. In our research, the proportion of Universal Credit claimants who were in arrears at the start of their claim fell by a third after four months. The research is available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/481865/universal-credit-extended-gateway-evaluation.pdf To note, the relevant section is Page 33, Table 3.5. This report is from 2015.

Additionally, research carried out by the National Federation of ALMOs shows over three quarters of their tenants come onto Universal Credit with pre-existing rent arrears. This research can be accessed at http://www.almos.org.uk/include/getDoc.php?did=7944&fid=9326. To note, the relevant section is page 10, section 3.

We are currently carrying out further analysis of this issue with a number of housing providers, to investigate and understand the true level of rent arrears for their tenants and what is causing them. It will be published when completed.

The recently published Universal Credit Full Service Claimant survey discusses claimants’ experience of managing Universal Credit and housing payments. It can be accessed at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/universal-credit-full-service-claimant-survey