Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that (a) vulnerable adults and (b) adults with learning difficulties are adequately supported in managing rent payments under Universal Credit in cases where direct payments to landlords have been cancelled and individuals are unable to manage the new arrangements independently.

Housing costs can be paid direct to landlords at any point during a Universal Credit claim where the claimant is vulnerable or has rent arrears or there is a risk of eviction. The need for such an arrangement may be identified by DWP staff or requested by the claimant, their appointee, caseworker or landlord.

Landlord payments are only removed where claimants are able to manage their own affairs or where they ask for this and we are satisfied that it’s in their best interests.