Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps her Department is taking to reduce the number of benefit claimants experiencing deductions.

Deductions from Universal Credit help support customers to manage debts by paying the creditor directly from their benefit, for instance paying rent arrears to ensure the customer does not face eviction. The most effective way to reduce reliance on deductions is to prevent arrears and debt in the first place, including by supporting people to increase their household income through work.

To support those with deductions, on 30 April 2025, the Fair Repayment Rate was implemented. This policy reduced the overall deductions cap from 25% to 15% of a customer’s Universal Credit (UC) standard allowance, enabling approximately 1.2 million UC households to retain more of their award, on average, £420 a year or £35 per month.

DWP is committed to supporting those who may be struggling with their repayment terms. Customers who feel they cannot afford the proposed repayment terms are encouraged to contact the DWP, so we can understand their circumstances and agree an affordable and sustainable repayment plan.