0:00:00 > 0:00:00absolutely want to look at specific cases like the one he mentions, to
0:00:00 > 0:00:13see what more can be done to regenerate that area.Thank you.
0:00:13 > 0:00:19Statement, the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions.With
0:00:19 > 0:00:23permission, following the announcement made by my right
0:00:23 > 0:00:26honourable friend the Chancellor in his budget speech yesterday, I would
0:00:26 > 0:00:31like to make a statement on Universal Credit. Universal Credit
0:00:31 > 0:00:34is the biggest modernisation of the welfare state in a generation. It
0:00:34 > 0:00:38supports those who can work cares for those who cannot. Under
0:00:38 > 0:00:45Universal Credit, people are working faster and staying in work longer.
0:00:45 > 0:00:51Once fully rolled out, Universal Credit will boost employment by
0:00:51 > 0:00:55250,000, equivalent to around 400 extra jobs for every constituency.
0:00:55 > 0:01:01Universal Credit was introduced to replace a complex and field benefit
0:01:01 > 0:01:06system of the previous government, which created cliff edges,
0:01:06 > 0:01:08discouraging people from working more than 16 hours a week, trapping
0:01:08 > 0:01:13many people on out of work benefits for nearly a decade. Colleagues from
0:01:13 > 0:01:17across the house of all voiced their support for the principles
0:01:17 > 0:01:21underpinning Universal Credit. Visit is a modern welfare system, which in
0:01:21 > 0:01:27one simple monthly payment, makes sure that workplace, mirrors the
0:01:27 > 0:01:31world of work and helps people work their way out of welfare dependency.
0:01:31 > 0:01:36As we introduce Universal Credit, we are constantly improving how the
0:01:36 > 0:01:41system works. We recently introduced changes to make sure that everyone
0:01:41 > 0:01:44who needs has access to advance payments and we're making our
0:01:44 > 0:01:54telephone lines freephone numbers. I have consistently made clear we
0:01:54 > 0:01:58would introduce it gradually. Of the total number of households that will
0:01:58 > 0:02:04move on to Universal Credit, 9% are receiving it and that will increase
0:02:04 > 0:02:08to 12% in February. This shows we are doing it over time. Colleagues
0:02:08 > 0:02:12have concerns about waiting times for the first period. I am grateful
0:02:12 > 0:02:16to my colleagues when a constructive engagement on this issue. There have
0:02:16 > 0:02:20been several debates here and in the other players. This statement
0:02:20 > 0:02:24response of these fulfil the commitments made on behalf of the
0:02:24 > 0:02:27government by the Leader of the House, in relation to the resolution
0:02:27 > 0:02:33of the house on the 18th of October 20 17. We are now offering a
0:02:33 > 0:02:37balanced package of improvements, which puts more money into
0:02:37 > 0:02:41claimants' hands earlier and ensures extra support for those who need it
0:02:41 > 0:02:46most. Next month, new guidance will be issued to staff, to ensure that
0:02:46 > 0:02:48claimants in the private rented sector, you have their housing
0:02:48 > 0:02:52benefit paid directly to landlords, are offered this option when they
0:02:52 > 0:02:57join Universal Credit. In January, we are making two changes to
0:02:57 > 0:03:01advances. First, the period of time over which an advance is recovered
0:03:01 > 0:03:12will increase
0:03:33 > 0:03:35from six to 12 months, making it easier for claimants to manage their
0:03:35 > 0:03:37finances. This will apply regardless of the level of advance claimed.
0:03:37 > 0:03:39Secondly, we are increasing the amount of support agreement can
0:03:39 > 0:03:42receive, from up to 50% of the estimated entitlement to up to 100%
0:03:42 > 0:03:44interest free. In practice, this means new claimants in December had
0:03:44 > 0:03:47already received an advance of up to 50% of the estimated overall
0:03:47 > 0:03:50entitlement and may be seen a second advance ticket up to 100% in the New
0:03:50 > 0:03:52the money they would previously have got. In addition, from spring next
0:03:52 > 0:03:54year taken with the first payment, this means claimants could receive
0:03:54 > 0:03:56nearly double the money they would previously have got. In addition,
0:03:56 > 0:03:58from spring February, we are removing the seven-day waiting
0:03:58 > 0:04:01period, reducing the length of time claimants might wait to receive
0:04:01 > 0:04:05their first full payment. From April, four new claimants already
0:04:05 > 0:04:08receiving support towards housing costs, we are providing an
0:04:08 > 0:04:11additional payment of two weeks of their housing benefit to support
0:04:11 > 0:04:15them as they transition onto Universal Credit, helping to we will
0:04:15 > 0:04:18be making it possible to apply for an advance online, further eight
0:04:18 > 0:04:20increasing accessibility for those who need it. From February, we are
0:04:20 > 0:04:22removing the seven-day waiting period, reducing the length of time
0:04:22 > 0:04:24claimants might wait to receive their first full payment. From
0:04:24 > 0:04:26April, four new claimants already receiving support towards housing
0:04:26 > 0:04:28costs, we are providing an additional payment of two weeks of
0:04:28 > 0:04:30their housing benefit to support them as they transition onto
0:04:30 > 0:04:32Universal Credit, helping the issue of rent arrears for those who most
0:04:32 > 0:04:35need it. This is a well targeted measure, which 1.3 million people,
0:04:35 > 0:04:37including the most vulnerable, with an. This is a one-off investment of
0:04:37 > 0:04:39£550 million to make sure it Universal Credit supports those who
0:04:39 > 0:04:42need it. This is a one-off investment of £550 million to make
0:04:42 > 0:04:47sure it Universal Credit supports those who need it. To make as a
0:04:47 > 0:04:49short-term measure, we will change her claimants in temporary
0:04:49 > 0:04:52accommodation receive support for the housing costs, to housing
0:04:52 > 0:04:54authorities can recover all of their costs and therefore can continue to
0:04:54 > 0:05:03offer this to those who need it most. We will also managing their
0:05:03 > 0:05:07finances, but personal budgeting support and digital skills training
0:05:07 > 0:05:11is provided to claimants through universal support, delivered through
0:05:11 > 0:05:15local authorities. Older numbers, we are exploring with Citizens Advice
0:05:15 > 0:05:20the scope for term solutions to this issue. The majority of claimants are
0:05:20 > 0:05:22comfortable managing their finances, but personal budgeting support and
0:05:22 > 0:05:23digital skills training is provided to claimants through universal
0:05:23 > 0:05:25support, delivered through local authorities. Older numbers, we're
0:05:25 > 0:05:27exploring with Citizens Advice the scope for greater collaboration
0:05:27 > 0:05:29people move to Universal Credit. It is aimed at supporting those out of
0:05:29 > 0:05:32work to move into work and once in work, to progress and increase their
0:05:32 > 0:05:34earnings. That is why, in addition to these measures, the government
0:05:34 > 0:05:37people move to Universal Credit. It is aimed at supporting those out of
0:05:37 > 0:05:40work to move into work and once in work, to progress and increase their
0:05:40 > 0:05:50earnings. That is why, in addition to these measures, the support than
0:05:50 > 0:05:53a simple allocated £8 billion over four years to conduct tests and
0:05:53 > 0:05:55trials, to support development of the evidence of what works to help
0:05:55 > 0:05:57people progress in work. This is a comprehensive and wide-ranging
0:05:57 > 0:06:05package worth £1.5 billion, offering significantly more support than a
0:06:05 > 0:06:09will place an updated roll-out plan in the House of Commons library.
0:06:09 > 0:06:14This does not choose a of the wait for the first payment to one month.
0:06:14 > 0:06:16To deliver this package, we have carefully revised the Universal
0:06:16 > 0:06:18Credit roll out plan, to make sure we continue to safely and gradually
0:06:18 > 0:06:20roll out this important welfare reform. I will place the updated
0:06:20 > 0:06:23roll-out plan in the House of Commons library. This does not
0:06:23 > 0:06:25change the at which be completed. To help ensure the smooth transition to
0:06:25 > 0:06:28full service, we have also decided to close your claims to a prototype
0:06:28 > 0:06:30Universal Credit finally will be completed. To help ensure the smooth
0:06:30 > 0:06:33transition to full service, we have also decided to close your claims to
0:06:33 > 0:06:36a prototype universal service. This will not affect any existing claims.
0:06:36 > 0:06:40In addition, any new claim from a family with three or more children
0:06:40 > 0:06:45listed ' will shift to the end of January 20 19. This is a
0:06:45 > 0:06:49comprehensive package, which, this will shift to the end of January 20
0:06:49 > 0:06:5519. This is a comprehensive package, ensure that as many people as
0:06:55 > 0:06:59possible get the opportunity to work response to concerns inside and
0:06:59 > 0:07:01outside the house. We have a clear objective, to ensure that as many
0:07:01 > 0:07:10people as possible get the opportunity to work and maximise
0:07:10 > 0:07:16transform lives. I commend this statement to the to better their
0:07:16 > 0:07:18circumstances.We will continue to roll-out Universal Credit in a
0:07:18 > 0:07:20steady and consistent manner and in doing so, deliver it welfare reform
0:07:20 > 0:07:22that will positively transform lives. I commend this statement to
0:07:22 > 0:07:25the I thank the Secretary. It is little surprise to see the for the
0:07:25 > 0:07:31statement. It is little surprise to see following months of Labour
0:07:31 > 0:07:34campaigning, the unanimous defeat on the announced reforms to the
0:07:34 > 0:07:36embattled Universal Credit programme in the budget yesterday. Following
0:07:36 > 0:07:38months of Labour campaigning, the unanimous defeat on the opposition
0:07:38 > 0:07:43day motion, with the rising debt and evictions, the reforms are causing
0:07:43 > 0:07:46so many of their constituents problems. We welcome any steps to
0:07:46 > 0:07:50improve the programme, not least the small disappointed that with the
0:07:50 > 0:07:52rising debt and evictions, the reforms are causing so many of their
0:07:52 > 0:07:54constituents problems. We welcome any steps to improve the programme,
0:07:54 > 0:08:03not least the detail of today's announcement. Let's sit back and
0:08:03 > 0:08:07look at the big picture. The government introduced Universal
0:08:07 > 0:08:13Credit with the promise is, to reduce child poverty by the head and
0:08:13 > 0:08:1630,000, to simplify the security system and to ensure that work
0:08:16 > 0:08:20always pays. As the mounting evidence has shown, Universal Credit
0:08:20 > 0:08:23is in the long hello. Those on lower incomes will only be is expected to
0:08:23 > 0:08:26wait for five weeks compared to the current six. Before I address the
0:08:26 > 0:08:28detail of today's announcement. Let's sit back and look at the big
0:08:28 > 0:08:30picture. The government introduced Universal Credit with the promises,
0:08:30 > 0:08:33to reduce child poverty by the head and 30,000, to simplify the security
0:08:33 > 0:08:35system and to ensure that were always pays. As the mounting
0:08:35 > 0:08:37evidence has shown, Universal Credit living up to these ambitions. Now it
0:08:37 > 0:08:39is announcements meet the government's contests. First, the
0:08:39 > 0:08:41reforms announced today are not being introduced until next year and
0:08:41 > 0:08:44will do nothing for the tens of thousands that are stuck in the
0:08:44 > 0:08:46six-week waiting period over Christmas. Anyone who has tried to
0:08:46 > 0:08:47to see if the Chancellor's announcements meet the government's
0:08:47 > 0:08:49contests. First, the reforms announced today are not being
0:08:49 > 0:08:52introduced until next year and will do nothing for the tens of thousands
0:08:52 > 0:08:54that are stuck in the six-week waiting period over Christmas.
0:08:54 > 0:08:58Anyone who has tried Universal Credit since Tuesday the 14th of
0:08:58 > 0:09:01November will now not get the first payment until after Christmas Day.
0:09:01 > 0:09:03This will mean tens of thousands of families going without over the
0:09:03 > 0:09:05festive period. Secondly, we are concerned that the government has
0:09:05 > 0:09:13only decided a single week, waiting period, taking it down to five.
0:09:13 > 0:09:15Under existing di WP guidance, claimants should be offered the
0:09:15 > 0:09:19option of being paid every two weeks, reflecting their previous
0:09:19 > 0:09:29employment a report published by the Resolution Foundation many people
0:09:29 > 0:09:37were paid more regularly than there was monthly to the monthly. I want
0:09:37 > 0:09:41to press him on why, given that it is so punitive. In relation to the
0:09:41 > 0:09:46advance payment, we have concerns in relation to the details of the
0:09:46 > 0:09:50extended repayment period. What additional debts does he expect the
0:09:50 > 0:09:54average claimant to incur? What is this department predict will be the
0:09:54 > 0:09:59average amount deducted from claimants' income? Our position
0:09:59 > 0:10:02remains the same. The Social Security system should prevent
0:10:02 > 0:10:07people getting into debt, not make matters worse. It is contrary to the
0:10:07 > 0:10:17conditions of Universal Credit that instead of affecting the
0:10:17 > 0:10:19self-employed. I want to press him on why, given that it is so
0:10:19 > 0:10:22punitive. In relation to the advance payment, we have concerns in
0:10:22 > 0:10:24relation to the details of the extended repayment period. What
0:10:24 > 0:10:26additional debts does he expect the average claimant to incur? What is
0:10:26 > 0:10:28this department predictable but the average amount deducted from
0:10:28 > 0:10:30claimants' income? Our position remains the same. The Social
0:10:30 > 0:10:32Security system should prevent people getting into debt, not make
0:10:32 > 0:10:34matters worse. It is contrary to the conditions of Universal Credit that
0:10:34 > 0:10:36instead of alleviating poverty, it will cause it, let alone an insult
0:10:36 > 0:10:39to people who are not able to make ends meet under reforms, to be under
0:10:39 > 0:10:41more risk, stress and concern. Turning to housing benefit proposal
0:10:41 > 0:10:44is not due to be introduced until April next year, nearly six months
0:10:44 > 0:10:47after the budget. Support for Red Bull two for the first when they
0:10:47 > 0:10:49receive payment. This is a three-week gap, which is still too
0:10:49 > 0:10:51long for people to call, leading to our viewers and evictions. Finally,
0:10:51 > 0:10:54this announcement is after the five when they receive payment. This is a
0:10:54 > 0:10:56three-week gap, which is still too long for people to call, leading to
0:10:56 > 0:11:02our viewers and evictions. Finally, this announcement did nothing to the
0:11:02 > 0:11:05key ambition that work will always pay. The swingeing cuts to Universal
0:11:05 > 0:11:07Credit have not been addressed, condemning war disabled people,
0:11:07 > 0:11:09children and other families to in a further nonsensical approach, the
0:11:09 > 0:11:15tans leaving a full-time worker on their minimum wage £900 a year worse
0:11:15 > 0:11:20off by 2020. Why has the government failed to give our workers the pay
0:11:20 > 0:11:25rise they deserve? The government seems content to leave the 17 year
0:11:25 > 0:11:28pay stagnation. In some planned increase to the national living
0:11:28 > 0:11:31wage, leaving a full-time worker on their minimum wage £900 a year worse
0:11:31 > 0:11:34off by 2020. Why has the government failed to give our workers the pay
0:11:34 > 0:11:36rise they deserve? The government seems content to leave the 17 year
0:11:36 > 0:11:46pay stagnation.
0:11:47 > 0:11:49In these measures for Universal Credit are not enough.They must be
0:11:49 > 0:11:51brought forward and amended and added to. We stand ready to work
0:11:51 > 0:11:53with the government to make the necessary changes. Failing that,
0:11:53 > 0:11:56they should stand aside and let a Labour government get on with the
0:11:56 > 0:11:59where to start? Let's start first of all with about people having to wait
0:11:59 > 0:12:03five wait five weeks. They can get a payment within five people do not
0:12:03 > 0:12:08have to wait five weeks. They can get a payment within five and an
0:12:08 > 0:12:13interest-free of an immaterial, I'm afraid is just completely
0:12:13 > 0:12:18unreasonable. And as being immaterial, I'm afraid is just
0:12:18 > 0:12:22completely unreasonable. And it as to when they receive the payments.
0:12:22 > 0:12:26We are making it more generous, we're getting people a longer period
0:12:26 > 0:12:30of time in which they. What an advance enables people to do is to
0:12:30 > 0:12:33have control as to when they receive the payments. We're making it more
0:12:33 > 0:12:35generous, we're getting people a longer period of time in which they
0:12:35 > 0:12:38repay it. But we more flexible by enabling people to get a making it
0:12:38 > 0:12:41more flexible by enabling people to get a what they if that is what they
0:12:41 > 0:12:47want. If that is what they she said the the honourable member suggests
0:12:47 > 0:12:50that we should move towards paying fortnightly, and she said the system
0:12:50 > 0:12:53how people's previous employment package how people's previous
0:12:53 > 0:13:03employment package paid only 3% of people in employment are paid 3% of
0:13:03 > 0:13:07people are if we are to have a system that has the flexibility of
0:13:07 > 0:13:12coping with people who are out of work, who are moving into work, a
0:13:12 > 0:13:15monthly. If we are to have a system that has the flexibility of coping
0:13:15 > 0:13:18with people who are out of work, who are moving into work, a is
0:13:18 > 0:13:22absolutely sensible, but we need to people can get access to money
0:13:22 > 0:13:31earlier, and that's exactly what we in that first assessment period, so
0:13:31 > 0:13:34that people can get access to money earlier, and that's exactly what we
0:13:34 > 0:13:39are delivering.
0:13:39 > 0:13:46They have sought to stand any of Universal Credit.I am not sure
0:13:46 > 0:13:53whether we heard a request for a report on zero by the honourable
0:13:53 > 0:13:58member today. In terms of reports, I would be fascinated what they mean.
0:13:58 > 0:14:05Not rolling it out to any new job centres? Or stopping any new
0:14:05 > 0:14:10claimants going on to Universal Credit at all? I am happy to talk
0:14:10 > 0:14:18afterwards. Is it new job centres are everybody? We are not getting an
0:14:18 > 0:14:24answer on that, Mr Speaker. If it means stopping it across the board,
0:14:24 > 0:14:30that would be a woeful lack of grasp of the operational realities. The
0:14:30 > 0:14:38idea you can suddenly switch everybody back onto jobseeker's
0:14:38 > 0:14:47allowance and ESA overnight would be ridiculous. We have listened to the
0:14:47 > 0:14:54constructive comments we have heard from members of all sides. And made
0:14:54 > 0:14:59some sensible reforms which can help people. Let's not forget, this is a
0:14:59 > 0:15:03welfare reform that will positively transform lives. I am proud that
0:15:03 > 0:15:07this Government is delivering eight and the party opposite might reflect
0:15:07 > 0:15:13on the fact that they are seen as a roadblock to this welcome reform.
0:15:13 > 0:15:18With crystal clarity I will say members who arrived after the
0:15:18 > 0:15:28statement began should not be standing and will not be called. In
0:15:28 > 0:15:31conformity with very long established practice in this House.
0:15:31 > 0:15:35I have often said this, I do not know why it is so difficult for some
0:15:35 > 0:15:41to grasp, but that is the reality of the matter. There is heavy business
0:15:41 > 0:15:46to follow, a very large number of colleagues wishing to participate in
0:15:46 > 0:15:51the continuation of the Budget debate. The pity in your questions.
0:15:51 > 0:15:56These are synced -- these are
0:16:05 > 0:16:09the whole roll-out of Universal Credit was set their ability by this
0:16:09 > 0:16:19so they could respond to needs and problems that exist.I will say I
0:16:19 > 0:16:22congratulate him for having secured from the chance that what is nearly
0:16:22 > 0:16:27£1.5 billion to help in the process of the roll-out, particularly people
0:16:27 > 0:16:31transferring across housing benefit and on the waiting days, giving
0:16:31 > 0:16:37flexibility to advisers. Can I urge him that Universal Credit is not
0:16:37 > 0:16:42just about getting people into work, it was to find the people who have
0:16:42 > 0:16:45the greatest problems and with universal support helped change
0:16:45 > 0:16:50their lives. Can I urge him to look carefully at universal support and
0:16:50 > 0:16:55make sure that is rolling out absolutely alongside that to make
0:16:55 > 0:16:57this a very good, successful roll-out and my congratulations
0:16:57 > 0:17:07again.Can I thank him for his kind words. And once again acknowledge
0:17:07 > 0:17:11the tremendous work that my right honourable friend made in driving
0:17:11 > 0:17:16forward Universal Credit. I think it will be a truly great achievement
0:17:16 > 0:17:21for this Government as we deliver this. In terms of universal support,
0:17:21 > 0:17:33he is right. I recently visited a Jobcentre. Because of the support
0:17:33 > 0:17:42they had received in regard to information technology in making a
0:17:42 > 0:17:45claim, they were more confident, made their first grocery order
0:17:45 > 0:17:50online. That might be a small matter to some of us but that was helping
0:17:50 > 0:17:54someone make progress in life. That is what Universal Support and
0:17:54 > 0:18:01Universal Credit is delivering.I have no desire to be unkind. The
0:18:01 > 0:18:08honourable gentleman was late. He came in after the statement had
0:18:08 > 0:18:12started. I said if members are light they should not stand and should not
0:18:12 > 0:18:22be called. -- late. Please, in your own interests and out of respect to
0:18:22 > 0:18:32the House, do not do it.Thank you for advanced site of the statement.
0:18:32 > 0:18:36I suppose we should be grateful that the DWP and Chancellor are accepting
0:18:36 > 0:18:42the failing by making these changes but this was not the robust than
0:18:42 > 0:18:45compounds of response it should have been. It should have been halted and
0:18:45 > 0:18:55fixed. The misery it is causing. Reducing the six weeks weight is
0:18:55 > 0:18:58welcome but five weeks is still too long. Many people wait longer than
0:18:58 > 0:19:05that. The Secretary of State us the answer, the Scottish Government are
0:19:05 > 0:19:14allowing people to receive payments fortnightly. There's an zero hour
0:19:14 > 0:19:21contracts, showing respect to them. -- those on zero hour contracts.
0:19:21 > 0:19:31Work does not pay for people and Universal Credit, CPI is so high. I
0:19:31 > 0:19:36will he look into the number of DWP cancelled PIP assessments and at no
0:19:36 > 0:19:43cost to the Treasury will the legacy benefits and third-party consents be
0:19:43 > 0:19:49removed for people in difficulty especially disabled and the
0:19:49 > 0:20:03terminally ill?Explicit consent, there is no need. First of all, in
0:20:03 > 0:20:07terms of delays, and moving it fortnightly, I am aware the Scottish
0:20:07 > 0:20:11Government is taking a different approach in terms of moving it. The
0:20:11 > 0:20:16way they are doing that is by ensuring that the second payment at
0:20:16 > 0:20:20the end of the second assessment period is half of what it would be
0:20:20 > 0:20:26in England and Wales. Deferring it and then paying it a fortnight
0:20:26 > 0:20:31later. If the Scottish Government are happy with that and will defend
0:20:31 > 0:20:35that the Scottish people, they are welcome to do it but it seems
0:20:35 > 0:20:43strange way of delivering it. In terms of the public finances, we
0:20:43 > 0:20:50fought the 2015 General Election to find savings with the welfare Budget
0:20:50 > 0:20:59and will deliver those savings.Does he anticipate a increase in
0:20:59 > 0:21:06short-term crimes and did he consider spending the money on the
0:21:06 > 0:21:14tape and is not removing the waiting days.There will be debate about the
0:21:14 > 0:21:18taper and that will be under review. There is a issue in terms of the
0:21:18 > 0:21:22first assessment period we have acknowledged, helping people over
0:21:22 > 0:21:27that period. That is why we made pages to the advances system in a
0:21:27 > 0:21:30tub. At the time I said we would continue to look at this and that is
0:21:30 > 0:21:38why we have announced the package. We'll be Secretary of State gave a
0:21:38 > 0:21:43commitment to this House that he will bring forward the loan scheme
0:21:43 > 0:21:50and open those job centres and the helplines which will be closed for
0:21:50 > 0:21:548-10 days over Christmas to prevent any of my constituents being hungry?
0:21:54 > 0:22:06May I congratulate him also in providing a financial armlock to the
0:22:06 > 0:22:13Treasury...I have to say, relations with the Treasury and my department
0:22:13 > 0:22:17are very good at the moment.
0:22:23 > 0:22:30That could not always be said. In terms of Christmas, this is a
0:22:30 > 0:22:35serious point, it is worth bearing in mind that for those people who
0:22:35 > 0:22:43open a new claim in for example mid-December, they can get a 50%
0:22:43 > 0:22:46advance then knowing that they will come back and get the other 50% in
0:22:46 > 0:22:51the New Year. In terms of the operation of Christmas, DWP will
0:22:51 > 0:22:57continue to operate, a lot of effort is put into making sure the payment
0:22:57 > 0:23:03system works over the Christmas period.I thank the Secretary of
0:23:03 > 0:23:07State for this and to colleagues from across the House and is very
0:23:07 > 0:23:11welcome package of changes to Universal Credit, in particular the
0:23:11 > 0:23:16seven working days and the packages he has introduced to improve the
0:23:16 > 0:23:19loans available, advances upfront and changes to housing benefit.
0:23:19 > 0:23:23Would he join me in thanking Citizens Advice bureau who do so
0:23:23 > 0:23:27much to support all our constituents and also have welcome to these
0:23:27 > 0:23:33changes?She is absolutely right to draw attention to Citizens Advice.
0:23:33 > 0:23:38We have engaged on with them. I spoke to their chief executive
0:23:38 > 0:23:43yesterday. I have a meeting with her later on today. We will continue to
0:23:43 > 0:23:48work closely with Citizens Advice. I am keen to ensure that when it comes
0:23:48 > 0:23:52to universal support we can continue to work closely with Citizens Advice
0:23:52 > 0:23:55because they provide a huge amount of practical support and help to
0:23:55 > 0:24:01people.The Secretary of State's characterisation of the tax credit
0:24:01 > 0:24:06system is wrong. I very much welcome the helpful steps he has announced
0:24:06 > 0:24:08the latest at clearing up the problems he has inherited. Will he
0:24:08 > 0:24:13make available large print versions of the documentation about these
0:24:13 > 0:24:18changes? Does he accept that if someone who is paid by the week and
0:24:18 > 0:24:23has no savings loses their job that denying them any income at all for
0:24:23 > 0:24:26five weeks is causing a serious problem which offering a loan does
0:24:26 > 0:24:35not resolve?Nobody is left without financial support at all. The
0:24:35 > 0:24:40flexibility of the advanced system is one that actually if you look at
0:24:40 > 0:24:46this compare to the system that was in place before the legacy system
0:24:46 > 0:24:50can help people if you are going onto jobseeker's allowance for
0:24:50 > 0:24:53example, Universal Credit will provide more support out there. I
0:24:53 > 0:24:58will look at the issue in terms of a large print version. And perhaps on
0:24:58 > 0:25:07another occasion debate at some length the tax credit system. Not
0:25:07 > 0:25:10only the disincentives within it but the huge difficulties that the
0:25:10 > 0:25:18roll-out tax credit caused in 2003 that were still reverberating when I
0:25:18 > 0:25:25entered the House in 2005.I welcome the statement this morning. Could he
0:25:25 > 0:25:28just touch on the statement he said there would be extra support for
0:25:28 > 0:25:34tenants in the private rented sector. Could he expand on that,
0:25:34 > 0:25:38will that includes access for landlords to the portal that is
0:25:38 > 0:25:41available for social landlords?In terms of support for the private
0:25:41 > 0:25:45rented sector, since the reforms made in 2008 we must remember most
0:25:45 > 0:25:49tenants of the private rented sector received housing benefit directly
0:25:49 > 0:25:55rather than getting it from landlord. 30% have alternative
0:25:55 > 0:26:01payment of a mention -- payment arrangements of the money goes
0:26:01 > 0:26:06directly to the landlord. Going forward once we change those people
0:26:06 > 0:26:09who already have alternative payment arrangements the presumption will be
0:26:09 > 0:26:13that will continue, the money will go therefore to the landlord rather
0:26:13 > 0:26:19than the tenant. We are constantly looking at ways in which we can as
0:26:19 > 0:26:26your support. And the housing benefit conditional Pateman --
0:26:26 > 0:26:30transitional payment will be additional support to help people as
0:26:30 > 0:26:38they migrate to Universal Credit. The changes are very welcome to
0:26:38 > 0:26:44tackle some of the glaring problems in Universal Credit. Social
0:26:44 > 0:26:47landlords and others are still extremely worried about the impact
0:26:47 > 0:26:56of potential arrears. Would he worked with his colleagues in DCRG
0:26:56 > 0:27:02and as the social landlords making sure they do not go for grounds
0:27:02 > 0:27:04eight possession requirements which reduced the flexibility of the court
0:27:04 > 0:27:08when it comes to dealing with arrears. It is critical we do we can
0:27:08 > 0:27:18to prevent going ahead with tenants falling into arrears. -- prevent
0:27:18 > 0:27:23eviction going ahead.I know the constructive approach taken from a
0:27:23 > 0:27:29number of those on the backbenches from the party opposite... In terms
0:27:29 > 0:27:36of evictions, it is important that pre-action protocol is a respected.
0:27:36 > 0:27:39There have been reports for example the Leader of the Opposition made
0:27:39 > 0:27:43some comments about what happened with Gloucester city which turned
0:27:43 > 0:27:47out to be wildly inaccurate and I think he should apologise. But we
0:27:47 > 0:27:53are very keen to work with, constructively, landlords bowed in
0:27:53 > 0:27:58social and private sectors and what is important that we debate is in a
0:27:58 > 0:28:01reasonable way without causing unnecessary stress by
0:28:01 > 0:28:03scaremongering, which the Leader of the Opposition did.
0:28:10 > 0:28:14I welcome the announcement this morning. Successful completion of
0:28:14 > 0:28:16the roll-out does require ongoing dialogue with a variety I welcome
0:28:16 > 0:28:18the announcement this morning. Successful completion of the
0:28:18 > 0:28:20roll-out does require ongoing dialogue with a variety of, local
0:28:20 > 0:28:27housing authorities, local landlords. Can he provide an
0:28:27 > 0:28:32assurance that he will continue to liaise with these charities, local
0:28:32 > 0:28:34landlords.Can he provide an assurance that he will continue to
0:28:34 > 0:28:37liaise with certainly, I can do that's been one of the things that's
0:28:37 > 0:28:42been pleasing about the Chancellor is a warm and broad support for
0:28:42 > 0:28:49these changes from the trust trust, the Citizens Advice Bureau, the
0:28:49 > 0:28:54Landlord Associations and so on. Engaging closely with all of those
0:28:54 > 0:28:57organisations and partners is absolutely key to to the Chancellor
0:28:57 > 0:28:59is a warm and broad support for these changes from the trust trust,
0:28:59 > 0:29:01the Citizens Advice Bureau, the Landlord Associations and so on.
0:29:01 > 0:29:03Engaging closely with all of those organisations and partners is
0:29:03 > 0:29:06absolutely key to deliver this I think the most significant part of
0:29:06 > 0:29:10the I think the most significant part of the that we must remember
0:29:10 > 0:29:14that Universal Credit is aimed at supporting those out of work to move
0:29:14 > 0:29:21into work.That would make perfect sense as this was the Minister is
0:29:21 > 0:29:23the statement that we must remember that Universal Credit is aimed at
0:29:23 > 0:29:26supporting those out of work to move into work. That would make perfect
0:29:26 > 0:29:33sense as this was Will the Secretary of State at least JSA. But there are
0:29:33 > 0:29:36many people here who are nowhere near work, the severely disabled and
0:29:36 > 0:29:38they seem to be missing from the steps that the Chancellor Trigg
0:29:38 > 0:29:44yesterday. Will the Secretary of State at that Universal Credit is
0:29:44 > 0:29:47failing the most disabled and tell us what he plans to do to address
0:29:47 > 0:29:49the concerns that the right honourable gentleman raised about
0:29:49 > 0:29:51those most seriously disabled people, who have been failed by
0:29:51 > 0:29:53Universal Credit I don't accept his I don't accept his characterisation
0:29:53 > 0:29:58either of Universal Credit or what. It provides support for those who
0:29:58 > 0:30:04need it. In terms of the severe. It provide support for those who need
0:30:04 > 0:30:06it. In terms of the severe disability premium it is worth
0:30:06 > 0:30:13bearing in mind that this was not a reduction in the overall amount of
0:30:13 > 0:30:15it is worth bearing in mind that this was not a reduction in the
0:30:15 > 0:30:24overall amount but as I say, Universal Credit is about providing
0:30:24 > 0:30:26support to when this was introduced. It was designed to widen the support
0:30:26 > 0:30:29that was provided. But as I say, Universal Credit is about providing
0:30:29 > 0:30:34support, but it's getting people closer to work and into work where
0:30:34 > 0:30:41that, it's absolutely the right thing to yesterday I warmly welcome
0:30:41 > 0:30:48the £1.5 billion announced will he confirm that as the roll-out of ten
0:30:48 > 0:30:51to the loss of the waiting time. Will he confirm that as the roll-out
0:30:51 > 0:30:54of and learn will continue to be an essential part of that process?
0:30:54 > 0:30:59Absolutely. And I want to be clear we constantly look at ways we can
0:30:59 > 0:31:02refine and improve, and have set out a number of things were going to do
0:31:02 > 0:31:06over the months ahead to make this system work as well as it possibly
0:31:06 > 0:31:10can. But I would make this point, as of today, Universal Credit is
0:31:10 > 0:31:18already a better system than the legacy system.Smaller housing
0:31:18 > 0:31:22associations in Glasgow are telling me they don't know summer is on
0:31:22 > 0:31:26Universal Credit until they fall into arrears, so can I press you to
0:31:26 > 0:31:30ensure that all housing associations, no matter their size,
0:31:30 > 0:31:34get access to the landlord portal, to eliminate barriers and to make
0:31:34 > 0:31:39sure housing associations don't fall into financial difficulties?He
0:31:39 > 0:31:43makes a reasonable point. The landlord portal is reasonable step
0:31:43 > 0:31:46forward. Starting with the artist landlords, because that's the
0:31:46 > 0:31:53quickest way of getting as many people able to benefit it. But yes,
0:31:53 > 0:31:57the use of the landlord portal as that is ruled out, will be one that
0:31:57 > 0:32:01I think will be very helpful for housing associations and councils as
0:32:01 > 0:32:10well as the DWP.On a recent visit to a local job centre, staff were
0:32:10 > 0:32:14hugely positive about Universal Credit. IT skills and computer
0:32:14 > 0:32:20access for the claimants was vital. Could he joined me in thanking job
0:32:20 > 0:32:23centre staff across the UK for remaining positive about the
0:32:23 > 0:32:32benefits, particularly on those stuck on the 16 hour contracts?She
0:32:32 > 0:32:35makes an excellent point. I have similar experience of visiting job
0:32:35 > 0:32:40centres and being struck by the impunity as of the staff for
0:32:40 > 0:32:43Universal Credit. I would certainly urge members on all sides go and
0:32:43 > 0:32:48visit their job centre, topped the staff there. The work cultures and
0:32:48 > 0:32:53job centre staff generally are doing excellent work, transforming lives,
0:32:53 > 0:32:57and they believe overwhelmingly that Universal Credit is giving them the
0:32:57 > 0:33:01tools to help people transform their lives. That is what this reform is
0:33:01 > 0:33:05all about, that is why I am so determined to deliver it and that is
0:33:05 > 0:33:10why I am so pleased we have a united support for it today on this side of
0:33:10 > 0:33:18the house.Given the government assumptions on minimum incomes, the
0:33:18 > 0:33:21so-called floor which penalises self-employed people on low incomes,
0:33:21 > 0:33:25will the Secretary of State please review these rules that are putting
0:33:25 > 0:33:30people at my constituent Tracy out of business and into debt?The
0:33:30 > 0:33:35minimal income floor is an important part of our system, but if you don't
0:33:35 > 0:33:43have that, you can leave the system, where were not able to help people
0:33:43 > 0:33:47in self-employed jobs at frankly I'm not giving them sufficient income to
0:33:47 > 0:33:52have the living standards they would want. We have to provide support to
0:33:52 > 0:33:56those people, so they have a sustainable job that provide
0:33:56 > 0:33:59sufficient income to them and does not provide an unfair burden on the
0:33:59 > 0:34:08taxpayer.I can fracture rate him on these welcome changes. Can I ask and
0:34:08 > 0:34:12then he expects to have the new guidance out on managed payments to
0:34:12 > 0:34:16landlords and where that this might be available to existing Universal
0:34:16 > 0:34:20Credit claimants as well as new claimants?We will have that
0:34:20 > 0:34:24guidance out in the course of December, so we will be moving
0:34:24 > 0:34:32quickly on that. In terms of... This is designed for those who have
0:34:32 > 0:34:36previously been on housing benefit with an alternative payment
0:34:36 > 0:34:40arrangement. Of course, work cultures, as they engage with new
0:34:40 > 0:34:44claimants, where they identify that the right approach is for an
0:34:44 > 0:34:49alternative payment arrangement to exist, in other words, the money
0:34:49 > 0:34:51goes to the landlords, then that is something that they can take
0:34:51 > 0:34:57forward.I very much welcome the announcement about their housing
0:34:57 > 0:35:01benefit run on and I was even more pleased to hear the Secretary of
0:35:01 > 0:35:04State say that would not be an advance, but would be an award. But
0:35:04 > 0:35:08can he say why it will not be available to those who have not
0:35:08 > 0:35:11previously been in receipt of housing benefit? Because as he will
0:35:11 > 0:35:16know, rent arrears have been one of the features of Universal Credit
0:35:16 > 0:35:21that has caused most difficulties and higher levels of debt.The
0:35:21 > 0:35:23design of this housing benefit transitional payment is for those
0:35:23 > 0:35:29people who have previously been on housing benefit, so that is our
0:35:29 > 0:35:34claim already there. So that is why we've done it. But can I thank her
0:35:34 > 0:35:42for this?As the Secretary of State will know, Universal Credit services
0:35:42 > 0:35:47are due to be rolled out to Torbay in me 2018. What efforts will he be
0:35:47 > 0:35:52making to make sure staff are trained and unaware of the advances
0:35:52 > 0:35:55available, because it's something people may not be quite so confident
0:35:55 > 0:36:02of doing when they first put in a claim?We changed that guidance on
0:36:02 > 0:36:05advances in October. It is already the case in July and August on
0:36:05 > 0:36:09behalf of people were taking up in advance. From my visit to job
0:36:09 > 0:36:13centres, the system has improved. But the increased flexibility on
0:36:13 > 0:36:18advances, it may well prove to be even more widely used, we shall see.
0:36:18 > 0:36:21He raises a very good point about training. I have to say, having
0:36:21 > 0:36:27visited job centres that have just launched a full service, I was
0:36:27 > 0:36:32impressed by the level of training and the support that one job centre,
0:36:32 > 0:36:36which has perhaps had it for awhile, then provides to a new job centre,
0:36:36 > 0:36:43and that degree of co-operation was proving to be very effective.The
0:36:43 > 0:36:46Secretary of State is putting up £8 million to develop evidence about
0:36:46 > 0:36:51what works to help people progress in work. I've done the job ready for
0:36:51 > 0:36:55nothing. He needs to restore the £3 billion worth of power and of work
0:36:55 > 0:37:00allowances that he cancelled from 2015 on words and to help briefly
0:37:00 > 0:37:04the economy, he could also start lifting the benefits freeze. Will he
0:37:04 > 0:37:14do that?If that is an attempt from the Liberal Democrats to find an
0:37:14 > 0:37:18economy issue, I don't think he's found that. I understand the cases
0:37:18 > 0:37:22making. We obviously have to balance what is affordable than the public
0:37:22 > 0:37:32finances. But I would break the portrait that Universal Credit, yes
0:37:32 > 0:37:35fines savings in terms of error within the system, but is not an
0:37:35 > 0:37:38overall reduction on what they were previously spending on the legacy
0:37:38 > 0:37:45benefits.I warmly welcome his statement. Can he update the house
0:37:45 > 0:37:49on exactly how many people, in receipt of Universal Credit, have
0:37:49 > 0:37:54actually gone on into work as a direct result of going onto this new
0:37:54 > 0:37:57system, because that is its intention and we should be singing
0:37:57 > 0:38:02that from the rooftops.It is the case that there have been three
0:38:02 > 0:38:08studies that have compared it versus the legacy benefits and all three
0:38:08 > 0:38:12cases, a higher proportion have gone on to work and progressed in work
0:38:12 > 0:38:18than was the case with the legacy benefits. It's also the case that
0:38:18 > 0:38:23the greater flexibility within the system, so people are not stuck on
0:38:23 > 0:38:2716 hours that is undoubtedly the case at the moment, the analysis
0:38:27 > 0:38:32that we have done, which has been peer reviewed, suggests be something
0:38:32 > 0:38:37like 250,000 more jobs in the economy and was the case we not meet
0:38:37 > 0:38:41that reform. That is about 400 people per constituency, that is
0:38:41 > 0:38:50something I am proud of.Low-paid workers in receipt of Universal
0:38:50 > 0:38:54Credit are set to lose at next month, simply because there are five
0:38:54 > 0:38:56paydays in December. What urgent action bowl the department take to
0:38:56 > 0:39:07address this ridiculous anomaly.I saw that report on money box. It was
0:39:07 > 0:39:10confused, it was misleading in its alarmist tone, it was inaccurate in
0:39:10 > 0:39:17the numbers it was using. The principle of Universal Credit is
0:39:17 > 0:39:24that if you earn more in your earnings, you get less in Universal
0:39:24 > 0:39:28Credit. If you get less in your earnings, you get more Universal
0:39:28 > 0:39:31Credit. That is the principle that applies. I do think that should be
0:39:31 > 0:39:39shocking to anybody.I warmly welcome his statement and I thank
0:39:39 > 0:39:42him and the Minister of State for their hard work that the additional
0:39:42 > 0:39:45support to the most vulnerable in society. Can he confirmed that the
0:39:45 > 0:39:51housing benefit payments will not be repayable and that will again help
0:39:51 > 0:39:56the most vulnerable as they transition onto Universal Credit?
0:39:56 > 0:40:00Absolutely, we will not recover it, it will not reduce what people are
0:40:00 > 0:40:04entitled to under Universal Credit. It is additional support for people
0:40:04 > 0:40:06as they move over from housing benefit to Universal Credit and I
0:40:06 > 0:40:13hope it will have the support of the whole house.I acknowledge much in
0:40:13 > 0:40:21the statement. With regards to the Citizen Advice Bureaus and local
0:40:21 > 0:40:24authorities, can you confirm two things, firstly that there will be
0:40:24 > 0:40:27additional funds available to the third-party sector to help with the
0:40:27 > 0:40:31collaboration and secondly, have you looked at implied is concerned,
0:40:31 > 0:40:34which would cut a huge amount of weight time, in respect of advice
0:40:34 > 0:40:43given?There are confidentiality issues that we have to deal with. In
0:40:43 > 0:40:46terms of the funding, and not necessarily going to get drawn on
0:40:46 > 0:40:51that today, but I would say that we do find universal support, providing
0:40:51 > 0:40:55the support that my right honourable friend, the member for Chingford,
0:40:55 > 0:41:03was talking about, which is helping to transform lives.Just checking. I
0:41:03 > 0:41:08chair the board of a housing association that has 20,000 homes
0:41:08 > 0:41:12operating across 18 local authorities, and I don't want those
0:41:12 > 0:41:14residents are necessarily disturbed by the scaremongering from the
0:41:14 > 0:41:22benches opposite. Can the Minister confirm that those claimants can get
0:41:22 > 0:41:26an emergency payments, up to 100% of their monthly entitlements, with all
0:41:26 > 0:41:35only a few days?He is absolutely right. We will have that 100%
0:41:35 > 0:41:41advance system available in the New Year. But let me come back to this.
0:41:41 > 0:41:45The Leader of the Opposition said that one in eight people from one
0:41:45 > 0:41:49city council had been evicted because of Universal Credit. It
0:41:49 > 0:41:52turns out it wasn't one in eight, it was eight and it turns out it wasn't
0:41:52 > 0:41:55because of Universal Credit, it was because of other problems that had
0:41:55 > 0:41:59arisen, including in one case, someone you haven't lived in the
0:41:59 > 0:42:06property for 18 months.
0:42:06 > 0:42:09Mr Speaker, my local authority of Denbighshire and till recently had
0:42:09 > 0:42:13the highest levels of household debt in the whole of the country. People
0:42:13 > 0:42:19were forced into the arms of loan sharks, pawn shops and payday loans.
0:42:19 > 0:42:25Will the government's decision to encourage Universal Credit
0:42:25 > 0:42:30recipients to apply and accept government loans, will that increase
0:42:30 > 0:42:36or decrease the level of household debt in Denbighshire?If we want to
0:42:36 > 0:42:41stop people falling prey to loan sharks, the flexibility of advances
0:42:41 > 0:42:45within this system, including and in addition budgeting loans to help
0:42:45 > 0:42:52people with white goods, is exactly the right way. If we don't offer
0:42:52 > 0:43:00that the risks he sets out will be real.The government said it is
0:43:00 > 0:43:04allocating £8 million over four years to support trials of evidence
0:43:04 > 0:43:08of what works principles. Can I ask what trials will be put in place
0:43:08 > 0:43:12specifically for disabled people, other than child Universal Credit
0:43:12 > 0:43:18itself. Will the Secretary of State meet with the disability APPG I
0:43:18 > 0:43:23chaired to listen to the voice of disabled people and what works?Of
0:43:23 > 0:43:28course we engage and listen to the voices of disabled people. We got
0:43:28 > 0:43:35strong welcomes from some of those disabled groups yesterday. But I
0:43:35 > 0:43:40would say, in terms of the tests and learn approach to that, we've just
0:43:40 > 0:43:45made an announcement yesterday, we are designing those trials. The
0:43:45 > 0:43:50purpose is to ensure that people can progress in work.The Minister
0:43:50 > 0:43:56claims Universal Credit is constantly improving and that he is
0:43:56 > 0:44:00responding to concerns. Will he respond to my concern and the
0:44:00 > 0:44:03concerns of the child poverty action group who claimed that the
0:44:03 > 0:44:08government is knowingly putting 200,000 children into poverty as a
0:44:08 > 0:44:14result of the two child cap, and knowingly having a disproportionate
0:44:14 > 0:44:19impact as a result and that the file rape clause is stigmatising women in
0:44:19 > 0:44:25Northern Ireland, putting them in danger?We have got transitional
0:44:25 > 0:44:29protection in there but I would make the point as she represents a
0:44:29 > 0:44:34Scottish constituency but if the Scottish Government wants to provide
0:44:34 > 0:44:38support for third and fourth and fifth children, they can provide
0:44:38 > 0:44:47exactly that.The Minister may be interested to know that citizens
0:44:47 > 0:44:52advice Scotland carried out a survey and determined 32% of my
0:44:52 > 0:44:57constituents don't have access to the internet and a further 32% would
0:44:57 > 0:45:02have difficulty accessing the online service Universal Credit system.
0:45:02 > 0:45:04With the Minister consider additional measures to ensure that
0:45:04 > 0:45:10the interface with the system is improved so those claimants of
0:45:10 > 0:45:13Universal Credit have increased confidence they can access the
0:45:13 > 0:45:21system efficiently?The vast majority of people have access
0:45:21 > 0:45:25online, but of course it is possible for people to access these
0:45:25 > 0:45:27facilities in Job