Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether he plans to implement the recommendation of the Work and Pensions Committee’s report on Benefit levels in the UK, published in 2024, to use independent advice, including from the Social Security Advisory Committee, when setting the Universal Credit standard allowance.

The Government values the contributions of both the Work and Pensions Committee and the Social Security Advisory Committee in scrutinising and advising on social security policy. The existing statutory framework remains the most appropriate mechanism for setting benefit rates, including Universal Credit. Through the Universal Credit Act, we have already delivered the first sustained above-inflation increase to the Universal Credit standard allowance since its introduction, with increases continuing through to 2029/30.

We will continue to consider evidence and insights from a wide range of organisations and people with lived experience, to help ensure the social security system provides the support people need.