Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what the average length of time is for an appeal against a decision following an application for Universal Credit childcare support; and what steps her Department is taking to expedite cases in which the time taken to appeal those decisions is causing financial hardship for families.

DWP is not solely responsible for the wait time. Appeals are lodged by claimants with HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS), which the claimant may take up to 13 months to do. DWP have 28 days to respond to the appeal when notified by HMCTS, after which, the time taken to list the appeal is dependent on HMCTS, who administer tribunal hearings.