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1166820

	registered interest
	date	28/10/2019
	answering body	Department for Work and Pensions
	answering dept id	29
	answering dept short name	Work and Pensions
	answering dept sort name	Work and Pensions
	hansard heading	Affordable Housing: Scotland
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what recent assessment she has made of the affordability of the housing market in Scotland for families in receipt of benefits.
	tabling member constituency	Coatbridge, Chryston and Bellshill
	tabling member printed	Hugh Gaffney
	uin	6486
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 05/11/2019 answer text <p><del class="ministerial">The Secretary of State is required to make an annual assessment of LHA rates, which will be completed by the end of 2019.</del></p><p><ins class="ministerial">The proportion of Scottish private market rents that are at or below the LHA rate, by room entitlement, is set out below. This is based on rent officer data and the 2019/20 LHA rates published here <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/local-housing-allowance-lha-rates-applicable-from-april-2019-to-march-2020" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/local-housing-allowance-lha-rates-applicable-from-april-2019-to-march-2020</a>.</ins></p><p><ins class="ministerial"> </ins></p><table><tbody><tr><td><p><ins class="ministerial">Shared room</ins></p></td><td><p><ins class="ministerial">1 bedroom</ins></p></td><td><p><ins class="ministerial">2 bedroom</ins></p></td><td><p><ins class="ministerial">3 bedroom</ins></p></td><td><p><ins class="ministerial">4+ bedroom</ins></p></td></tr><tr><td><p><ins class="ministerial">14%</ins></p></td><td><p><ins class="ministerial">22%</ins></p></td><td><p><ins class="ministerial">17%</ins></p></td><td><p><ins class="ministerial">18%</ins></p></td><td><p><ins class="ministerial">17%</ins></p></td></tr></tbody></table><p> </p><p> </p> answering member constituency Colchester answering member printed Will Quince question first answered 05/11/2019 16:57:02 question first ministerially corrected 05/11/2019 17:42:41 answering member 4423 label Biography information for Will Quince previous answer version 4444 answering member constituency Colchester answering member printed Will Quince answering member 4423 label Biography information for Will Quince
	tabling member	4614 label Biography information for Hugh Gaffney

1156561

	registered interest
	date	28/10/2019
	answering body	Department for Work and Pensions
	answering dept id	29
	answering dept short name	Work and Pensions
	answering dept sort name	Work and Pensions
	hansard heading	Universal Credit: Children
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what recent estimate they have made of their expenditure on the (1) child element, and (2) childcare costs element, of Universal Credit.
	tabling member printed	Baroness Eaton
	uin	HL441
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 05/11/2019 answer text <p>The Department’s profile of spending on childcare in Universal Credit is shown in the table below. As the volume of claimants with children on legacy benefits decreases as they move to Universal Credit, spending on childcare will increase accordingly.</p><p> </p><table><tbody><tr><td><p> </p></td><td><p>Ann. cost 18/19</p></td><td><p>Ann. cost 19/20</p></td><td><p>Ann. cost 20/21</p></td><td><p>Ann. cost 21/22</p></td><td><p>Ann. cost 22/23</p></td><td><p>Ann. cost 23/24</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>Total cost UC Childcare</p></td><td><p>£100m</p></td><td><p>£400m</p></td><td><p>£700m</p></td><td><p>£900m</p></td><td><p>£1,100m</p></td><td><p>£1,400m</p></td></tr></tbody></table><p> </p><p><strong>Notes:</strong></p><p> </p><ol><li>The figures in the table above are derived from internal DWP models, and costs have been rounded to the nearest £100 million.</li></ol> answering member printed Baroness Stedman-Scott question first answered 05/11/2019 16:42:59 answering member 4174 label Biography information for Baroness Stedman-Scott
	tabling member	4184 label Biography information for Baroness Eaton

1156562

	registered interest
	date	28/10/2019
	answering body	Department for Work and Pensions
	answering dept id	29
	answering dept short name	Work and Pensions
	answering dept sort name	Work and Pensions
	hansard heading	Social Security Benefits: Children
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government how much they have spent on (1) benefits, and (2) tax credits, related to childcare and other child-related costs, broken down by each payment, in the last year for which figures are available.
	tabling member printed	Baroness Eaton
	uin	HL442
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 05/11/2019 answer text <p>The profile of spending on the Childcare Element of Universal Credit in 2018/19 was £100 million<sup>1</sup>. As the volume of claimants with children on legacy benefits decreases as they move to Universal Credit, spending on childcare will increase accordingly.</p><p> </p><p>Spending on child-related benefits administered by HMRC are shown in the table below.</p><p> </p><table><tbody><tr><td><p> </p></td><td><p>2018-19</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>Child Tax Credit (excluding childcare element)<sup>2</sup></p></td><td><p>£18.0 billion</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>Tax Free Childcare <sup>3</sup></p></td><td><p>£117 million</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>Child Benefit <sup>3</sup></p></td><td><p>£11.5 billion</p></td></tr></tbody></table><p> </p><p><strong>Notes:</strong></p><p> </p><ol><li>The Universal Credit spending is derived from internal DWP models, and costs have been rounded to the nearest £100 million.</li><li>Total Child Tax Credits comes from HMRC 2018-19 Annual Report and Accounts. This is reduced by an estimate of the value that relates to the childcare element which is subject to a degree of uncertainty.</li><li>From HMRC Receipts statistics.</li></ol> answering member printed Baroness Stedman-Scott question first answered 05/11/2019 13:04:37 answering member 4174 label Biography information for Baroness Stedman-Scott
	tabling member	4184 label Biography information for Baroness Eaton

1156591

	registered interest
	date	28/10/2019
	answering body	Department for Work and Pensions
	answering dept id	29
	answering dept short name	Work and Pensions
	answering dept sort name	Work and Pensions
	hansard heading	Children: Maintenance
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have any plans to amend the legislation relating to the calculation of child maintenance so that such calculations are based on a parent's gross salary, after tax and National Insurance deductions but before the deduction of pensions contributions.
	tabling member printed	Lord Stevenson of Balmacara
	uin	HL471
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 30/10/2019 answer text <p>Our statutory child maintenance scheme calculates payments simply and efficiently, usually based on the paying parent’s gross taxable income. This information is taken directly from HM Revenue and Customs for the latest available tax year.</p><p> </p><p>We continue to review the calculation but have no plans to change it at this time.</p> answering member printed Baroness Stedman-Scott question first answered 30/10/2019 14:00:52 answering member 4174 label Biography information for Baroness Stedman-Scott
	tabling member	4175 label Biography information for Lord Stevenson of Balmacara

1166631

	registered interest
	date	28/10/2019
	answering body	Department for Work and Pensions
	answering dept id	29
	answering dept short name	Work and Pensions
	answering dept sort name	Work and Pensions
	hansard heading	Employment Schemes
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many people are participating in (a) the Work Programme and (b) Work Choice; and on what date the final participants will complete those programmes.
	tabling member constituency	Wirral West
	tabling member printed	Margaret Greenwood
	uin	6405
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 31/10/2019 answer text <p>Statistics on the Work Programme, including information on starts, referrals and job outcomes is published and available here:</p><p> </p><p><a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/work-programme-statistics--2" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/work-programme-statistics--2</a></p><p> </p><p>Statistics on the Work Choice programme, including information on starts, referrals and job outcomes is published and available here:</p><p> </p><p><a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/work-choice-statistics-number-of-starts-and-referrals--2" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/work-choice-statistics-number-of-starts-and-referrals--2</a></p> answering member constituency Eastleigh answering member printed Mims Davies question first answered 31/10/2019 17:46:47 answering member 4513 label Biography information for Mims Davies
	tabling member	4400 label Biography information for Margaret Greenwood

1166642

	registered interest
	date	28/10/2019
	answering body	Department for Work and Pensions
	answering dept id	29
	answering dept short name	Work and Pensions
	answering dept sort name	Work and Pensions
	hansard heading	Universal Credit: Fraud
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what estimate she has made of the debt incurred by individuals as a result of being scammed into claiming an advance for universal credit.
	tabling member constituency	Weaver Vale
	tabling member printed	Mike Amesbury
	uin	6511
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 30/10/2019 answer text <p>On the 18<sup>th</sup> September 2019 we brought in changes to the application process for Universal Credit advances to protect innocent people from these scams.</p><p> </p><p>In order to determine whether an individual is liable to repay an advance, we look at the strength of evidence provided. Our investigations play an important part in establishing whether a claimant has had any involvement. In some cases, we will be able to establish that a claimant was entirely innocent and did not benefit from the payment, in which case we would not seek to recover the money from them.</p><p> </p><p>As each case is different and is judged solely on its merits, and as our investigations are still ongoing, it is not possible to accurately estimate the amount individuals could be asked to repay.</p> answering member constituency Hexham answering member printed Guy Opperman question first answered 30/10/2019 16:46:49 answering member 4142 label Biography information for Guy Opperman
	tabling member	4667 label Biography information for Mike Amesbury

1166654

	registered interest
	date	28/10/2019
	answering body	Department for Work and Pensions
	answering dept id	29
	answering dept short name	Work and Pensions
	answering dept sort name	Work and Pensions
	hansard heading	Universal Credit: Fraud
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what estimate she has made of the number of universal credit claimants who have been referred for fraud relating to advance claims made after 18 September 2019.
	tabling member constituency	Weaver Vale
	tabling member printed	Mike Amesbury
	uin	6512
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 01/11/2019 answer text <p>It is not possible to answer this question. This answer could only be provided by accessing a substantial number of referrals to ascertain how many relate to advances claimed after 18<sup>th</sup> September 2019. As a result, we estimate providing this information would incur disproportionate costs.</p> answering member constituency Hexham answering member printed Guy Opperman question first answered 01/11/2019 10:59:45 answering member 4142 label Biography information for Guy Opperman
	tabling member	4667 label Biography information for Mike Amesbury

1166656

	registered interest
	date	28/10/2019
	answering body	Department for Work and Pensions
	answering dept id	29
	answering dept short name	Work and Pensions
	answering dept sort name	Work and Pensions
	hansard heading	Universal Credit
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether she plans to publish easy-to-read guidance on making a non-digital claim for universal credit.
	tabling member constituency	North West Durham
	tabling member printed	Laura Pidcock
	uin	6508
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 31/10/2019 answer text <p>The Department makes use of a range of channels to increase understanding of Universal Credit through social media and wider advertising. This includes signposting to sources of information which are written in an ‘easy-to-read’ format to help people make decisions on whether Universal Credit is appropriate for their circumstances.</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p>We publish information in two key locations to help improve awareness of, and how to claim Universal Credit, which can be found at the following websites:</p><p> </p><p><a href="https://www.understandinguniversalcredit.gov.uk/making-a-claim/before-you-claim/" target="_blank">https://www.understandinguniversalcredit.gov.uk/making-a-claim/before-you-claim/</a></p><p> </p><p><a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/universal-credit-detailed-information-for-claimants" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/universal-credit-detailed-information-for-claimants</a></p><p> </p><p>If a person wishes to claim Universal Credit but requires assistance, they are clearly directed to either the Help to Claim service, or to the Universal Credit telephone helpline. Both can be useful to anyone who cannot use digital services.</p><p> </p><p>Citizens Advice and Citizens Advice Scotland have been delivering the ‘Help to Claim’ service on a pilot basis since April 2019. The Citizens Advice Help to Claim service offers tailored, practical support from helping people make a Universal Credit claim up to receiving their first full correct payment on time. This service is available online, on the phone and face-to-face through local Citizen’s Advice services.</p><p> </p><p>We regularly engage with a range of stakeholders, including welfare rights organisations, to ensure we gather and understand a diverse range of opinions, which helps us to design improvements to Universal Credit.</p> answering member constituency Colchester answering member printed Will Quince grouped question UIN 6509 question first answered 31/10/2019 17:51:08 answering member 4423 label Biography information for Will Quince
	tabling member	4665 label Biography information for Laura Pidcock

1166657

	registered interest
	date	28/10/2019
	answering body	Department for Work and Pensions
	answering dept id	29
	answering dept short name	Work and Pensions
	answering dept sort name	Work and Pensions
	hansard heading	Universal Credit
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if she will consult (a) welfare rights advisers and (b) professionals with experience of supporting people with complex needs on drafting guidance on making a non-digital claim for universal credit.
	tabling member constituency	North West Durham
	tabling member printed	Laura Pidcock
	uin	6509
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 31/10/2019 answer text <p>The Department makes use of a range of channels to increase understanding of Universal Credit through social media and wider advertising. This includes signposting to sources of information which are written in an ‘easy-to-read’ format to help people make decisions on whether Universal Credit is appropriate for their circumstances.</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p>We publish information in two key locations to help improve awareness of, and how to claim Universal Credit, which can be found at the following websites:</p><p> </p><p><a href="https://www.understandinguniversalcredit.gov.uk/making-a-claim/before-you-claim/" target="_blank">https://www.understandinguniversalcredit.gov.uk/making-a-claim/before-you-claim/</a></p><p> </p><p><a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/universal-credit-detailed-information-for-claimants" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/universal-credit-detailed-information-for-claimants</a></p><p> </p><p>If a person wishes to claim Universal Credit but requires assistance, they are clearly directed to either the Help to Claim service, or to the Universal Credit telephone helpline. Both can be useful to anyone who cannot use digital services.</p><p> </p><p>Citizens Advice and Citizens Advice Scotland have been delivering the ‘Help to Claim’ service on a pilot basis since April 2019. The Citizens Advice Help to Claim service offers tailored, practical support from helping people make a Universal Credit claim up to receiving their first full correct payment on time. This service is available online, on the phone and face-to-face through local Citizen’s Advice services.</p><p> </p><p>We regularly engage with a range of stakeholders, including welfare rights organisations, to ensure we gather and understand a diverse range of opinions, which helps us to design improvements to Universal Credit.</p> answering member constituency Colchester answering member printed Will Quince grouped question UIN 6508 question first answered 31/10/2019 17:51:08 answering member 4423 label Biography information for Will Quince
	tabling member	4665 label Biography information for Laura Pidcock

1166658

	registered interest
	date	28/10/2019
	answering body	Department for Work and Pensions
	answering dept id	29
	answering dept short name	Work and Pensions
	answering dept sort name	Work and Pensions
	hansard heading	Universal Credit
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether an online universal credit claim can be converted into a non-digital claim.
	tabling member constituency	North West Durham
	tabling member printed	Laura Pidcock
	uin	6510
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 31/10/2019 answer text <p>The Department takes seriously the need to support vulnerable claimants, and wants the application process for Universal Credit to be as quick and easy as possible, ensuring that claimants receive money at the earliest opportunity. It is designed to be a ‘digital-first’ service, ensuring we make best use of technology to deliver a modern and effective working-age welfare system, allowing our staff to concentrate on those people who require additional support.</p><p> </p><p>Any digital claim can be treated as a non-digital claim. For instance, if a claimant’s circumstances change and contacting them digitally is no longer suitable for a short or significant period of time, agents can annotate the claim and take the same action as they would have if the claim had originally made as a non-digital claim.</p><p> </p><p>We are already committed to placing Universal Credit guidance in the House of Commons Library and last updated it on 28 March 2019.</p><p> </p><p>Our Universal Credit Claimant Survey, found that 98 per cent of claimants have internet access and did claim online, and the majority of those said they found the claim process overall to be straightforward. This can be accessed at: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/universal-credit-full-service-claimant-survey" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/universal-credit-full-service-claimant-survey</a></p><p> </p><p>All Jobcentre Plus offices across the country have Wi-Fi and computers available for claimants to access the internet. For those that are still unable to access or use digital services, or are not able to travel, assistance to make and maintain their claim is available via the Freephone Universal Credit helpline – which is clearly displayed on GOV.UK.</p><p> </p><p>Citizens Advice and Citizens Advice Scotland have been delivering the ‘Help to Claim’ service on a pilot basis since April 2019. The Citizens Advice Help to Claim service offers tailored, practical support to help people make a Universal Credit claim up to receiving their first full correct payment on time, and is available online, on the phone and face-to-face through local Citizen’s Advice services.</p><p> </p><p>Although the Department offers comprehensive support for claimants to use our digital service, there will be occasions when people are unable to make their claim online, and so telephone applications can be accepted. In these instances, information normally available through a claimant’s online account, will be communicated in an alternative format which is best suited to an individual’s circumstances.</p> answering member constituency Colchester answering member printed Will Quince question first answered 31/10/2019 17:59:57 answering member 4423 label Biography information for Will Quince
	tabling member	4665 label Biography information for Laura Pidcock