Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the need to financially invest additional resources for welfare benefits and social security measures.

The Secretary of State for the Department for Work and Pensions is legally required to review the rates of state pension and benefits each year. At the heart of the DWP's approach is the belief in people's autonomy to decide how to allocate their benefits based on their individual circumstances and needs.

In April 2023, millions of people’s benefits rose by 10.1%, in line with the September 2022 inflation rate – including Universal Credit. This is alongside Cost of Living payments totalling £900 to be paid to households on means tested benefits during 2023-24, in addition to a Cost of Living payment of £300 to pensioner households during winter 2023 and a Cost of Living payment of £150 to people on disability benefits during summer 2023.

These actions will ensure that those most vulnerable in society get the support they need, including those in work as well as out of work.