Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, with reference to the National Audit Office's report on Benefit Sanctions, published on 30 November 2016, what plans his Department has to use data it holds to ensure that benefit sanctions are meeting the Government's objectives.

Following publication of the National Audit Office (NAO) Value for Money Study into Benefit Sanctions, there was a subsequent Public Accounts Committee hearing on 12 December 2016. DWP is currently waiting for the Public Accounts Committee to publish their final report and recommendations, before responding to the NAO report.