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Written question asked by Lesley Laird (Labour) on Wednesday, 13 February 2019, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 18 February 2019. It was answered by Justin Tomlinson (Conservative) on Thursday, 21 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, pursuant to the Answer of 13 February 2019 to Question 218361, whether she plans to make an assessment of the effect of the roll-out of universal credit in Fife on the provision of services for lone parents and disadvantaged families by local authorities and third party sector organisations in the next six months.

Answer

The Department currently has no plans to make this assessment. We do continue to evaluate Universal Credit as it is delivered. Research and analysis is conducted to assist and inform the evaluation and the expansion of Universal Credit, focusing specifically on the effects of Universal Credit on claimants’ behaviours and outcomes. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/universal-credit-evaluation-framework-2016.

Universal Credit spending will be £2 billion higher compared to the system it replaces, meaning on average £300 extra per year for a family on Universal Credit relative to the legacy system.

We have implemented a number of changes to help families on Universal Credit. For example, work allowance rates will be increased by £1000 from April 2019, directing additional support to some of the most vulnerable low paid working families.

Furthermore, New Burdens funding has been provided to local authorities to cover additional costs associated with rollout.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
221026
Session
2017-19
Related items
Universal Credit: Fife
Wednesday, 13 February 2019
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects
Disadvantaged Local government services Lone parents Fife Universal credit
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk