{ "format" : "linked-data-api", "version" : "0.2", "result" : {"_about" : "http://eldaddp.azurewebsites.net/answeredquestions.text?answeringDeptShortName=Work+and+Pensions&min-date=2018-11-02", "definition" : "http://eldaddp.azurewebsites.net/meta/answeredquestions.text?answeringDeptShortName=Work+and+Pensions&min-date=2018-11-02", "extendedMetadataVersion" : "http://eldaddp.azurewebsites.net/answeredquestions.text?answeringDeptShortName=Work+and+Pensions&min-date=2018-11-02&_metadata=all", "first" : "http://eldaddp.azurewebsites.net/answeredquestions.text?answeringDeptShortName=Work+and+Pensions&_page=0&min-date=2018-11-02", "hasPart" : "http://eldaddp.azurewebsites.net/answeredquestions.text?answeringDeptShortName=Work+and+Pensions&min-date=2018-11-02", "isPartOf" : "http://eldaddp.azurewebsites.net/answeredquestions.text?answeringDeptShortName=Work+and+Pensions&min-date=2018-11-02", "items" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1721245", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Work and Pensions"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1721245/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "

As of February 2024, 476,000 households in receipt of Housing Benefit or Universal Credit housing element were subject to a removal of spare room subsidy (RSRS) deduction.<\/p>

<\/strong><\/p>

The RSRS deductions are based on the claimant's eligible rent for those in the social rented sector. There is a 14 percent reduction for those with one extra bedroom and a 25 percent reduction for those with two or more extra bedrooms. The average weekly deduction for households with one extra bedroom is £15 and £29 for those with two or more extra bedrooms.<\/p>

<\/p>

Easements are available to support disabled people and carers, families of disabled children, foster carers, parents who adopt, parents of service personnel and people who have suffered a bereavement.<\/p>

<\/p>

Those unable to meet a shortfall in their rent can seek a Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP) from their local authority. DHPs can be paid to those entitled to Housing Benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit.<\/p>

<\/strong><\/p>

Any future decisions on this policy will be taken in the context of the Government\u2019s missions, goals on housing, and the fiscal context.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4147", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Baroness Sherlock"} } , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Baroness Sherlock"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2024-07-22", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2024-07-22T16:00:51.297Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "29"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Work and Pensions"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Work and Pensions"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2024-07-17", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Housing Benefit: Social Rented Housing"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "2"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25277", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Lords"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask His Majesty's Government how many people are affected by the under-occupancy charge, what is the financial impact of the charge on those people, and what plans they have to end or reduce that impact.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4719", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle"} } , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle"} ], "uin" : "HL19"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1721328", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Work and Pensions"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1721328/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "

As a newly formed Government we will need time to review and consider the Ombudsman\u2019s report along with the evidence provided during the investigation.<\/p>

<\/p>

This Government respects the work of the Ombudsman. Now the election has concluded we need to consider the views that have been expressed on all sides.<\/p>

<\/p>

The issues outlined in the report are significant and complex, as such they require serious deliberation. Once this work has been undertaken, the Government/we will be in a position to outline its approach.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4077", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Emma Reynolds"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Wycombe"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Emma Reynolds"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2024-07-22", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2024-07-22T15:59:48.277Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "29"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Work and Pensions"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Work and Pensions"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2024-07-17", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "State Retirement Pensions: Women"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, when she plans to respond to the report by the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman entitled Women\u2019s State Pension age: our findings on injustice and associated issues, published on 21 March 2024.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1512", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for David Mundell"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "David Mundell"} ], "uin" : "33"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1721361", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Work and Pensions"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1721361/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "

We have interpreted \u2018sustainability\u2019 to mean the viability of Jobcentres in rural areas.<\/p>

<\/p>

DWP has a network of 634 established Jobcentres across the UK. The location of Jobcentres needs to balance customer demand, the range of services it needs to offer and operational efficiency.<\/p>

<\/p>

If a Jobcentre is relocated, the Department fully assesses the likely impact, including completion of an Equality Assessment.<\/p>

<\/strong><\/p>

We will be looking to work with a range of partners, including local areas to further develop and deliver our manifesto commitments which will inform wider thinking on the delivery of employment support.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4083", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Alison McGovern"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Birkenhead"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Alison McGovern"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2024-07-22", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2024-07-22T13:22:15.767Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "29"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Work and Pensions"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Work and Pensions"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2024-07-17", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Jobcentres: Rural Areas"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if she will make an assessment of the sustainability of job centres in rural areas.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4131", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Jim Shannon"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Strangford"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Jim Shannon"} ], "uin" : "84"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1721497", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Work and Pensions"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1721497/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "

As a newly formed Government we will need time to review and consider the Ombudsman\u2019s report along with the evidence provided during the investigation.<\/p>

<\/p>

This Government respects the work of the Ombudsman. Now the election has concluded we need to consider the views that have been expressed on all sides.<\/p>

<\/p>

The issues outlined in the report are significant and complex, as such they require serious deliberation. Once this work has been undertaken, the Government/we will be in a position to outline its approach.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4077", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Emma Reynolds"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Wycombe"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Emma Reynolds"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2024-07-22", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2024-07-22T15:53:33.677Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "29"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Work and Pensions"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Work and Pensions"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2024-07-17", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "State Retirement Pensions: Women"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, with reference to the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman's report into women\u2019s State Pension age changes, published on 21 March 2024, if she will take steps to introduce compensation for women affected by changes to the State Pension age.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4827", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Claire Hanna"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Belfast South and Mid Down"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Claire Hanna"} ], "uin" : "212"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1721527", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Work and Pensions"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1721527/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "

Income, including income from assets as well as earned income, needs to be declared to the UK tax authorities and subject to UK tax in order to be included in the maintenance calculation.<\/p>

<\/p>

The Government is now considering next steps on the child maintenance service.<\/p>

<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4979", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Andrew Western"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Stretford and Urmston"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Andrew Western"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2024-07-22", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2024-07-22T12:34:00.82Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "29"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Work and Pensions"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Work and Pensions"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2024-07-17", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Children: Maintenance"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether she plans to review the Child Maintenance Service's treatment of income from foreign assets held by paying parents.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4918", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Sarah Green"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Chesham and Amersham"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Sarah Green"} ], "uin" : "242"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1721528", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Work and Pensions"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1721528/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "

A principle of child maintenance is to increase levels of cooperation between separated parents and encourage parents to meet their responsibilities to provide their children with financial support. Where a family-based child maintenance arrangement is not suitable the Child Maintenance Service offers a statutory scheme for those parents who need it.<\/p>

<\/p>

The Government is dedicated to ensuring parents meet their obligations to children and the Child Maintenance Service will do everything within its powers to make sure parents comply. Where parents fail to pay their child maintenance, the Service will not hesitate to use its enforcement powers, including deductions from earnings orders, removal of driving licences, disqualification from holding a passport, and committal to prison. The Service is committed to using these powers fairly and in the best interests of children and separated families.<\/p>

<\/p>

Statistics on child maintenance arrangements and collections are part of the CMS quarterly statistics published on gov.uk in tables 4, 5 and 6 of the National Tables. The below information is from the latest publication for data up to March 2024.<\/p>

<\/p>