Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how much was spent by the universal credit project on (a) staff travel and (b) overnight accommodation and allowances in each month of 2014 to date.
Universal Credit is being developed and delivered across the UK. As expected with a programme of this size, some travel is needed to ensure effective delivery of the programme. DWP has clear policies on travel and accommodation expenses to ensure costs are minimised
It is not possible, on the grounds of disproportionate cost, to separate out this expenditure between DWP staff and contractors working on the Universal Credit project.