Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask Her Majesty's Government, further (1) to the Written Answer by Baroness Stedman-Scott on 22 July (HL6637), (2) reports that remand prisoners’ hearing dates are being set for more than 12 months in the future, and (3) the normal time limits relating to such prisoners anticipating returning home, what steps are being taken to ensure that (a) Housing Benefit, and (b) Universal Credit in respect of rent, is being paid to prisoners on remand.

The Department is routinely notified by Prison Services across England, Wales and Scotland when offenders enter custody, including those on remand. We have specialist teams to identify claimants who are in receipt of either Universal Credit or legacy benefits so that the appropriate action can be taken.