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Written question asked by Lesley Laird (Labour) on Thursday, 7 February 2019, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 12 February 2019 (named day). A holding answer was provided on Tuesday, 12 February 2019. A substantive answer was provided by Justin Tomlinson (Conservative) on Wednesday, 13 February 2019 on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.

Universal Credit: Fife

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment her Department has made of the effect of the roll-out of universal credit in Fife on provision of services for lone parents and disadvantaged families by (a) local authorities and (b) third sector organisations.

Answer

We have not made an assessment of the effect of the roll-out of universal credit in Fife on provision of services for lone parents and disadvantage families by Local Authorities and third party sector organisations.

We are committed to helping parents into work. Childcare is essential in enabling parents to work, although we recognise that this can cause additional financial difficulty.

Universal Credit claimants are able to claim up to 85 per cent of their childcare costs, compared to 70% on the legacy system. People with an offer of paid work can also get childcare costs paid a month in advance.

On 11 January 2019, Secretary of State Rt. Hon Amber Rudd MP announced measures that will provide increased support for Universal Credit (UC) claimants. This included piloting a more flexible approach to claimants reporting childcare costs, which will allow people to be reimbursed for childcare even when they aren’t able to provide immediate evidence.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
218361
Session
2017-19
Related items
Universal Credit: Fife
Thursday, 21 February 2019
Written questions
House of Commons
Transferred
Yes
Subjects
Disadvantaged Local government services Lone parents Fife Universal credit
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk