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<p>We are the biggest Government Department with a day to day operation on which around
22 million citizens depend. The Department has a responsibility to communicate policy
and essential information to claimants and other key audiences.</p><p> </p><p>The
Metro partnership was designed to increase understanding of Universal Credit and ensure
people have the right factual information they need to make a claim and understand
their potential entitlement.</p><p> </p><p>We went to great lengths to ensure the
factual accuracy of the campaign through extensive consultation within the Department,
including the Government Legal Department. We also consulted with the Advertising
Standards Authority Copy Advice Team prior to the launch and continued to do so throughout
the campaign lifetime.</p><p> </p><p>The letter of 31 July 2019 placed in the House
of Commons Library disclosed the full cost of the Department’s partnership with Associated
Newspapers. There were no advertising agencies, consultancy or additional costs associated
with the campaign and detailed planning was taken forward by Departmental officials.</p><p>
</p><p>We have already shared a copy of the memo of 2 May 2019 from the Director General
of Universal Credit and Director of Communications to DWP staff with the Work and
Pensions Select Committee but can also commit to placing a copy in the House of Commons
Library.</p>
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