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1134870
registered interest false more like this
date less than 2019-06-26more like thismore than 2019-06-26
answering body
Department for Work and Pensions more like this
answering dept id 29 more like this
answering dept short name Work and Pensions more like this
answering dept sort name Work and Pensions more like this
hansard heading Universal Credit more like this
house id 1 remove filter
legislature
25259
pref label House of Commons more like this
question text To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, pursuant to the Answer of 25 June 2019 to Question 267343 on Universal Credit, if her Department will (a) investigate the practice of loansharks applying on behalf of an individual for a universal credit advance payment which is then issued as a loan to the individual and (b) review the application process for universal credit advance payments to tackle such practices. more like this
tabling member constituency Leigh more like this
tabling member printed
Jo Platt more like this
uin 269775 more like this
answer
answer
is ministerial correction false more like this
date of answer less than 2019-07-03more like thismore than 2019-07-03
answer text <p>The Department is committed to reducing fraud and error and considers information from a range of sources to progress our investigations. We work hard to identify perpetrators of fraud and ensure we take appropriate prosecution action.</p><p> </p><p>We routinely gather intelligence to assist our understanding of anyone seeking to abuse the safety net that Universal Credit offers. Any exploitation of advance payments is not acceptable, and we are seeking to identify the perpetrators and ensure we take appropriate prosecution action. We have a dedicated team of investigators working on this issue and we regularly raise awareness with our front line staff who understand the risks and raise concerns as appropriate through referrals to Fraud colleagues.</p><p> </p><p>We are committed to keeping all Universal Credit services and processes, including advance payments, under review and will make improvements to address any vulnerabilities in the system. The protection of our most vulnerable claimants remains of paramount importance to us.</p>
answering member constituency Reading West more like this
answering member printed Alok Sharma more like this
question first answered
less than 2019-07-03T15:23:34.717Zmore like thismore than 2019-07-03T15:23:34.717Z
answering member
4014
label Biography information for Lord Sharma more like this
previous answer version
126277
answering member constituency Reading West more like this
answering member printed Alok Sharma remove filter
answering member
4014
label Biography information for Lord Sharma more like this
tabling member
4673
label Biography information for Jo Platt more like this
1134522
registered interest false more like this
date less than 2019-06-25more like thismore than 2019-06-25
answering body
Department for Work and Pensions more like this
answering dept id 29 more like this
answering dept short name Work and Pensions more like this
answering dept sort name Work and Pensions more like this
hansard heading Universal Credit more like this
house id 1 remove filter
legislature
25259
pref label House of Commons more like this
question text To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many civil penalties relating to failure to undertake tasks required for universal credit compliance have been issued in each of the last 12 months. more like this
tabling member constituency High Peak more like this
tabling member printed
Ruth George more like this
uin 269119 more like this
answer
answer
is ministerial correction false more like this
date of answer less than 2019-07-03more like thismore than 2019-07-03
answer text <p>A £50 Civil Penalty may be imposed by both Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and Local Authorities where an individual incurs a recoverable overpayment as a result of failing to provide accurate information as part of their benefit claim or in connection with an award of benefit, and has not taken reasonable steps to correct the error.</p><p> </p><p>The table below shows the volume of Civil Penalties applied to UC Overpayments in the last 12 months along with the value of recoveries in the last 12 months where a Civil Penalty was imposed on a UC debt. *</p><p> </p><p>Note that there is no correlation between the number applied and the value of recovery for the associated month. Civil Penalties issued in a 12-month period will not necessarily be recovered in that same 12-month period as debts will be repaid over different timeframes, in accordance with a debtor’s particular commitments.</p><p> </p><table><tbody><tr><td><p><strong>Month</strong></p></td><td><p><strong>Number applied to UC overpayment </strong></p></td><td><p><strong>Value of </strong> <strong>Recovery </strong></p></td></tr><tr><td><p><strong>Jun-18</strong></p></td><td><p>140</p></td><td><p>£4,300</p></td></tr><tr><td><p><strong>Jul-18</strong></p></td><td><p>120</p></td><td><p>£4,700</p></td></tr><tr><td><p><strong>Aug-18</strong></p></td><td><p>190</p></td><td><p>£8,100</p></td></tr><tr><td><p><strong>Sep-18</strong></p></td><td><p>130</p></td><td><p>£5,800</p></td></tr><tr><td><p><strong>Oct-18</strong></p></td><td><p>80</p></td><td><p>£8,600</p></td></tr><tr><td><p><strong>Nov-18</strong></p></td><td><p>20</p></td><td><p>£5,700</p></td></tr><tr><td><p><strong>Dec-18</strong></p></td><td><p>Fewer than 5</p></td><td><p>£5,400</p></td></tr><tr><td><p><strong>Jan-19</strong></p></td><td><p>10</p></td><td><p>£4,800</p></td></tr><tr><td><p><strong>Feb-19</strong></p></td><td><p>20</p></td><td><p>£3,700</p></td></tr><tr><td><p><strong>Mar-19</strong></p></td><td><p>20</p></td><td><p>£3,800</p></td></tr><tr><td><p><strong>Apr-19</strong></p></td><td><p>10</p></td><td><p>£2,300</p></td></tr><tr><td><p><strong>May-19</strong></p></td><td><p>10</p></td><td><p>£1,600</p></td></tr></tbody></table><p> </p><p>When recovering overpayments, DWP ensures that appropriate safeguards are in place to protect claimants from any undue financial hardship. Like the Department, private collection agencies will look to establish sustainable repayment arrangements.</p><p> </p><p><em>*The data provided in this response has been sourced from internal management information and was not intended for public release. It should therefore not be compared to any other, similar data subsequently released by the Department. All figures have been rounded to the nearest 100. </em></p>
answering member constituency Reading West more like this
answering member printed Alok Sharma more like this
grouped question UIN 269120 more like this
question first answered
less than 2019-07-03T15:34:36.197Zmore like thismore than 2019-07-03T15:34:36.197Z
answering member
4014
label Biography information for Lord Sharma more like this
previous answer version
126281
answering member constituency Reading West more like this
answering member printed Alok Sharma remove filter
answering member
4014
label Biography information for Lord Sharma more like this
tabling member
4662
label Biography information for Ruth George more like this
1134524
registered interest false more like this
date less than 2019-06-25more like thismore than 2019-06-25
answering body
Department for Work and Pensions more like this
answering dept id 29 more like this
answering dept short name Work and Pensions more like this
answering dept sort name Work and Pensions more like this
hansard heading Universal Credit more like this
house id 1 remove filter
legislature
25259
pref label House of Commons more like this
question text To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how much revenue has been received from civil penalties relating to failure to undertake tasks required for universal credit compliance in each of the last 12 months. more like this
tabling member constituency High Peak more like this
tabling member printed
Ruth George more like this
uin 269120 more like this
answer
answer
is ministerial correction false more like this
date of answer less than 2019-07-03more like thismore than 2019-07-03
answer text <p>A £50 Civil Penalty may be imposed by both Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and Local Authorities where an individual incurs a recoverable overpayment as a result of failing to provide accurate information as part of their benefit claim or in connection with an award of benefit, and has not taken reasonable steps to correct the error.</p><p> </p><p>The table below shows the volume of Civil Penalties applied to UC Overpayments in the last 12 months along with the value of recoveries in the last 12 months where a Civil Penalty was imposed on a UC debt. *</p><p> </p><p>Note that there is no correlation between the number applied and the value of recovery for the associated month. Civil Penalties issued in a 12-month period will not necessarily be recovered in that same 12-month period as debts will be repaid over different timeframes, in accordance with a debtor’s particular commitments.</p><p> </p><table><tbody><tr><td><p><strong>Month</strong></p></td><td><p><strong>Number applied to UC overpayment </strong></p></td><td><p><strong>Value of </strong> <strong>Recovery </strong></p></td></tr><tr><td><p><strong>Jun-18</strong></p></td><td><p>140</p></td><td><p>£4,300</p></td></tr><tr><td><p><strong>Jul-18</strong></p></td><td><p>120</p></td><td><p>£4,700</p></td></tr><tr><td><p><strong>Aug-18</strong></p></td><td><p>190</p></td><td><p>£8,100</p></td></tr><tr><td><p><strong>Sep-18</strong></p></td><td><p>130</p></td><td><p>£5,800</p></td></tr><tr><td><p><strong>Oct-18</strong></p></td><td><p>80</p></td><td><p>£8,600</p></td></tr><tr><td><p><strong>Nov-18</strong></p></td><td><p>20</p></td><td><p>£5,700</p></td></tr><tr><td><p><strong>Dec-18</strong></p></td><td><p>Fewer than 5</p></td><td><p>£5,400</p></td></tr><tr><td><p><strong>Jan-19</strong></p></td><td><p>10</p></td><td><p>£4,800</p></td></tr><tr><td><p><strong>Feb-19</strong></p></td><td><p>20</p></td><td><p>£3,700</p></td></tr><tr><td><p><strong>Mar-19</strong></p></td><td><p>20</p></td><td><p>£3,800</p></td></tr><tr><td><p><strong>Apr-19</strong></p></td><td><p>10</p></td><td><p>£2,300</p></td></tr><tr><td><p><strong>May-19</strong></p></td><td><p>10</p></td><td><p>£1,600</p></td></tr></tbody></table><p> </p><p>When recovering overpayments, DWP ensures that appropriate safeguards are in place to protect claimants from any undue financial hardship. Like the Department, private collection agencies will look to establish sustainable repayment arrangements.</p><p> </p><p><em>*The data provided in this response has been sourced from internal management information and was not intended for public release. It should therefore not be compared to any other, similar data subsequently released by the Department. All figures have been rounded to the nearest 100. </em></p>
answering member constituency Reading West more like this
answering member printed Alok Sharma more like this
grouped question UIN 269119 more like this
question first answered
less than 2019-07-03T15:34:36.133Zmore like thismore than 2019-07-03T15:34:36.133Z
answering member
4014
label Biography information for Lord Sharma more like this
previous answer version
126278
answering member constituency Reading West more like this
answering member printed Alok Sharma remove filter
answering member
4014
label Biography information for Lord Sharma more like this
tabling member
4662
label Biography information for Ruth George more like this
1133002
registered interest false more like this
date less than 2019-06-18more like thismore than 2019-06-18
answering body
Department for Work and Pensions more like this
answering dept id 29 more like this
answering dept short name Work and Pensions more like this
answering dept sort name Work and Pensions more like this
hansard heading Migrant Workers: Qualifications more like this
house id 1 remove filter
legislature
25259
pref label House of Commons more like this
question text To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, with reference to the IPPR report Measuring the benefits of integration: The value of tackling skills underutilisation published 18 June 2019, what assessment her Department has made of the number of migrants in the UK employed in positions for which they are overqualified. more like this
tabling member constituency Vale of Clwyd more like this
tabling member printed
Chris Ruane more like this
uin 266100 more like this
answer
answer
is ministerial correction false more like this
date of answer less than 2019-07-02more like thismore than 2019-07-02
answer text <p>The department has made no assessment of the number of migrants in the UK employed in positions for which they are overqualified.</p><p>We are working closely with the Department for Education, Mayoral Combined Authorities/Local Enterprise Partnerships, learning providers and employers to develop Local Industrial Strategies and implement Skills Advisory Panels within local areas which will help achieve a better balance between skills supply and labour market demand in local areas.</p><p>We are building evidence to develop an understanding of what works to support people on Universal Credit, who are working, to progress. One of the ways in which people can progress is to consider their skills and abilities. We wish to ensure that claimants make good decisions that are right for them, as well as understanding their barriers and support needs. Our programme of research and testing seeks to deliver this evidence to help us support people to reach their potential.</p> more like this
answering member constituency Reading West more like this
answering member printed Alok Sharma more like this
question first answered
less than 2019-07-02T12:09:49.47Zmore like thismore than 2019-07-02T12:09:49.47Z
answering member
4014
label Biography information for Lord Sharma more like this
previous answer version
124932
answering member constituency Reading West more like this
answering member printed Alok Sharma remove filter
answering member
4014
label Biography information for Lord Sharma more like this
tabling member
534
label Biography information for Chris Ruane more like this
1131675
registered interest false more like this
date less than 2019-06-12more like thismore than 2019-06-12
answering body
Department for Work and Pensions more like this
answering dept id 29 more like this
answering dept short name Work and Pensions more like this
answering dept sort name Work and Pensions more like this
hansard heading Universal Credit more like this
house id 1 remove filter
legislature
25259
pref label House of Commons more like this
question text To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if she will introduce a box on the universal credit application form through which claimants may give permissions for their data to be used to register their children for free school meals and other income-related educational benefits. more like this
tabling member constituency Birkenhead more like this
tabling member printed
Frank Field more like this
uin 263718 more like this
answer
answer
is ministerial correction false more like this
date of answer less than 2019-06-18more like thismore than 2019-06-18
answer text <p>The Department for Education (DfE) provides an Electronic Eligibility Checking Service (ECS) to all local authorities in England, which is used to confirm eligibility for free school meals.</p><p> </p><p>To support this, there are already data sharing agreements in place between DfE and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and other government departments who administer benefits which qualify families for free school meals. This enables local authorities and schools to quickly verify eligibility for free school meals, including where parent(s) have been awarded Universal Credit and have earnings below the prescribed threshold for free school meal eligibility.</p><p> </p><p>DWP therefore has no plans to ask claimants to give permission for their Universal Credit data to be used to provide an automatic entitlement to other benefits.</p> more like this
answering member constituency Reading West more like this
answering member printed Alok Sharma more like this
question first answered
less than 2019-06-18T16:13:35.24Zmore like thismore than 2019-06-18T16:13:35.24Z
answering member
4014
label Biography information for Lord Sharma more like this
previous answer version
123357
answering member constituency Reading West more like this
answering member printed Alok Sharma remove filter
answering member
4014
label Biography information for Lord Sharma more like this
tabling member
478
label Biography information for Lord Field of Birkenhead more like this
1131839
registered interest false more like this
date less than 2019-06-12more like thismore than 2019-06-12
answering body
Department for Work and Pensions more like this
answering dept id 29 more like this
answering dept short name Work and Pensions more like this
answering dept sort name Work and Pensions more like this
hansard heading Universal Credit more like this
house id 1 remove filter
legislature
25259
pref label House of Commons more like this
question text To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many universal credit claimants have been offered a deferral period for advance repayments in the last 12 months. more like this
tabling member constituency Birmingham, Selly Oak more like this
tabling member printed
Steve McCabe more like this
uin 263675 more like this
answer
answer
is ministerial correction false more like this
date of answer less than 2019-06-18more like thismore than 2019-06-18
answer text <p>This information is not centrally collated and could only be supplied at a disproportionate cost to the Department.</p><p> </p><p>The Department recognises that exceptional circumstances may occur to claimants that were not foreseen when a Universal Credit advance was taken out. Should claimants face unexpected financial hardship as a result of such changes, they can ask the Department for a deferral of the repayment of any advance they have taken out. The deferral periods are up to 3 months for a new claim, benefit transfer or change of circumstances advance and up to 6 months for a Budgeting advance.</p> more like this
answering member constituency Reading West more like this
answering member printed Alok Sharma more like this
question first answered
less than 2019-06-18T15:35:06.57Zmore like thismore than 2019-06-18T15:35:06.57Z
answering member
4014
label Biography information for Lord Sharma more like this
previous answer version
123350
answering member constituency Reading West more like this
answering member printed Alok Sharma remove filter
answering member
4014
label Biography information for Lord Sharma more like this
tabling member
298
label Biography information for Steve McCabe more like this
1131842
registered interest false more like this
date less than 2019-06-12more like thismore than 2019-06-12
answering body
Department for Work and Pensions more like this
answering dept id 29 more like this
answering dept short name Work and Pensions more like this
answering dept sort name Work and Pensions more like this
hansard heading Universal Credit more like this
house id 1 remove filter
legislature
25259
pref label House of Commons more like this
question text To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, pursuant to the Answer of 10 June to Question 260540, what the consequences are for universal credit claimants who are unable to repay their advance within the agreed timescale. more like this
tabling member constituency Birmingham, Selly Oak more like this
tabling member printed
Steve McCabe more like this
uin 263678 more like this
answer
answer
is ministerial correction false more like this
date of answer less than 2019-06-18more like thismore than 2019-06-18
answer text <p>A key part of the process for agreeing an advance payment on Universal Credit is ensuring that the claimant can afford to repay it. We will not make advances which encourage recipients to become over-indebted.</p><p> </p><p>The Department encourages all Universal Credit claimants to actively consider how best to manage their personal budget, with additional advice and support available from work coaches and case managers. When an advance payment is appropriate, claimants decide what percentage of their expected monthly award to apply for and over what period to repay it, up to a maximum of 12 monthly instalments.</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p>The Department does not levy penalties on claimants who do not repay their advance within either a calendar 12 month from taking out the advance, nor where they do not repay the advance in 12 monthly instalments. Outstanding repayments are actively monitored and managed, ensuring we support claimants experiencing financial challenges whilst maintaining responsibility to the taxpayer for recovery.</p>
answering member constituency Reading West more like this
answering member printed Alok Sharma more like this
grouped question UIN 263677 more like this
question first answered
less than 2019-06-18T15:32:14.873Zmore like thisremove minimum value filter
answering member
4014
label Biography information for Lord Sharma more like this
previous answer version
123355
answering member constituency Reading West more like this
answering member printed Alok Sharma remove filter
answering member
4014
label Biography information for Lord Sharma more like this
tabling member
298
label Biography information for Steve McCabe more like this
1131844
registered interest false more like this
date less than 2019-06-12more like thismore than 2019-06-12
answering body
Department for Work and Pensions more like this
answering dept id 29 more like this
answering dept short name Work and Pensions more like this
answering dept sort name Work and Pensions more like this
hansard heading Universal Credit more like this
house id 1 remove filter
legislature
25259
pref label House of Commons more like this
question text To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, pursuant to the Answer of 6 June to Question 258971, what information her Department holds on the proportion of universal credit claimants who have successfully applied for a reduction in their deduction in the most recent period for which figures are available. more like this
tabling member constituency Birmingham, Selly Oak more like this
tabling member printed
Steve McCabe more like this
uin 263679 more like this
answer
answer
is ministerial correction false more like this
date of answer less than 2019-06-18more like thismore than 2019-06-18
answer text <p>As at 13th June 2019 the proportion of Universal Credit claimants with a benefit overpayment, who have successfully applied for a reduction in the rate at which they are repaying that overpayment, was 9.2%.</p><p> </p><p>The Department ensures that appropriate safeguards are in place to protect claimants who have deductions from their benefit to repay overpayments. If a claimant is struggling they can contact the Department’s Debt Management Team to discuss lowering their repayment rate. Any adjustment to the rate of repayment will be based on the individual circumstances of the claimant.</p><p> </p><p><em>*The data provided in this response has been sourced from internal management information and was never intended for public release. It is not comparable to any other, similar data subsequently released by the Department.</em></p> more like this
answering member constituency Reading West more like this
answering member printed Alok Sharma more like this
question first answered
less than 2019-06-18T16:22:13.303Zmore like thismore than 2019-06-18T16:22:13.303Z
answering member
4014
label Biography information for Lord Sharma more like this
previous answer version
123356
answering member constituency Reading West more like this
answering member printed Alok Sharma remove filter
answering member
4014
label Biography information for Lord Sharma more like this
tabling member
298
label Biography information for Steve McCabe more like this
1131245
registered interest false more like this
date less than 2019-06-11more like thismore than 2019-06-11
answering body
Department for Work and Pensions more like this
answering dept id 29 more like this
answering dept short name Work and Pensions more like this
answering dept sort name Work and Pensions more like this
hansard heading Universal Credit: Repayments more like this
house id 1 remove filter
legislature
25259
pref label House of Commons more like this
question text To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, pursuant to the Answer of 19 June 2019 to Question 260559 on universal credit, what assessment she has made of the average length of time taken to repay in full advance payments made under universal credit. more like this
tabling member constituency Vale of Clwyd more like this
tabling member printed
Chris Ruane more like this
uin 263065 more like this
answer
answer
is ministerial correction false more like this
date of answer less than 2019-06-19more like thismore than 2019-06-19
answer text <p>The Department encourages all Universal Credit claimants to actively consider how best to manage their personal budget, with additional advice and support available from work coaches and case managers. When an advance payment is appropriate, claimants decide what percentage of their expected monthly award to apply for and over what period to repay it, up to a maximum of 12 monthly instalments.</p><p> </p><p>Claimants have the ability to make the decision for themselves on the time period for repayment. Most claimants (around 85%) choose to repay their advance over a 12-month period, with others repaying in a shorter timeframe.</p><p> </p><p>The Department has taken a number of steps to ensure that advances meet the needs of claimants and that recovery arrangements are personalised and reasonable. From October 2019 we are reducing the maximum rate of deductions to 30 per cent and from October 2021 we are increasing the maximum recovery period for advances from 12 to 16 months.</p> more like this
answering member constituency Reading West more like this
answering member printed Alok Sharma more like this
question first answered
less than 2019-06-19T17:00:48.547Zmore like thismore than 2019-06-19T17:00:48.547Z
answering member
4014
label Biography information for Lord Sharma more like this
previous answer version
123347
answering member constituency Reading West more like this
answering member printed Alok Sharma remove filter
answering member
4014
label Biography information for Lord Sharma more like this
tabling member
534
label Biography information for Chris Ruane more like this
1131364
registered interest false more like this
date less than 2019-06-11more like thismore than 2019-06-11
answering body
Department for Work and Pensions more like this
answering dept id 29 more like this
answering dept short name Work and Pensions more like this
answering dept sort name Work and Pensions more like this
hansard heading Universal Credit: Overpayments more like this
house id 1 remove filter
legislature
25259
pref label House of Commons more like this
question text To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many universal credit overpayments her Department has made in the Vale of Clwyd in each of the last five years, and what the cause for overpayment was in each such case. more like this
tabling member constituency Vale of Clwyd more like this
tabling member printed
Chris Ruane more like this
uin 263066 more like this
answer
answer
is ministerial correction false more like this
date of answer less than 2019-06-18more like thismore than 2019-06-18
answer text <p>The specific breakdown requested is not available. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has no business need for a breakdown of this type and therefore our systems do not have this functionality.</p><p> </p><p>DWP is committed to preventing overpayments from occurring.</p><p> </p><p>The Department ensures that appropriate safeguards are in place to protect claimants who have deductions from their benefit to repay overpayments. There are maximum rates of deduction that are set out in legislation, and if a claimant is struggling they can contact the Department’s Debt Management Team to discuss lowering their repayment rate.</p><p> </p><p>DWP is constantly improving its data and analytical tools to detect and prevent issues as early as possible. DWP works to ensure claimants are aware of their obligation to report any changes in their circumstances. We are constantly reviewing our approach to make sure it is as effective as possible.</p> more like this
answering member constituency Reading West more like this
answering member printed Alok Sharma more like this
question first answered
less than 2019-06-18T15:42:47.807Zmore like thismore than 2019-06-18T15:42:47.807Z
answering member
4014
label Biography information for Lord Sharma more like this
previous answer version
123348
answering member constituency Reading West more like this
answering member printed Alok Sharma remove filter
answering member
4014
label Biography information for Lord Sharma more like this
tabling member
534
label Biography information for Chris Ruane more like this