 |
answer text |
<p><strong> </strong></p><p>A new system of grants could not be implemented without
significant reprioritisation of current measures: our focus remains firmly on ensuring
that millions of new and existing claimants continue to receive their payments on
time, and that we do everything possible to support people back into work where it
is right to do so.</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p>We introduced measures that could
be quickly and effectively operationalised following the outbreak of COVID-19, supported
by over £6.5bn of additional funding to the welfare system and which benefitted as
many disadvantaged claimants as possible. This includes temporarily increasing the
Universal Credit standard allowance by the equivalent of £20 per week – worth up to
£1,040 this year. This is in addition to the 1.7% inflation increase as part of the
Government’s decision to end the benefits freeze and means more financial support
for millions of claimants across the country.</p><p> </p><p>Universal Credit advances
allow new claimants to request additional support during the first assessment period.
Advances can be repaid over a year, allowing new claimants to receive 13 payments
during that period instead of 12.</p><p> </p>
|
|
