Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, for what reason the increased rate of Universal Credit began on 10 April 2023; and what steps he took to ensure that those with assessment periods between 1 April and 10 April 2023 were not adversely affected.

Increases in Universal Credit come into force from the start of the first assessment period beginning on or after the first Monday of the tax year. As Universal Credit is a calendar monthly assessed benefit that is paid monthly in arrears, a claimant will receive their newly-uprated benefit award at their first full Assessment Period that follows the change.