Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many landlords have trusted partner status for the purpose of placing tenants under alternative payment arrangements for universal credit; what proportion of universal credit recipients they cover; and what plans he has to extend that status.

The detailed information requested is not currently available. The Trusted Partner test was undertaken over an 8 week period with six landlords. We are evaluating the findings of this test as part of our on-going test and learn approach to working with key stakeholders in delivering Universal Credit. This evaluation will include recommendations on any next steps and future plans.