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Written question asked by Simon Jupp (Conservative) on Tuesday, 7 June 2022, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 9 June 2022. It was answered by David Rutley (Conservative) on Wednesday, 15 June 2022 on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.


Councillors: Universal Credit

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether financial allowances received by elected local councillors count towards the Universal Credit work allowance.

Answer

Allowances paid by Local Authorities to councillors for their official duties are earnings and are treated as such in the calculation of any Universal Credit award. All earnings, above any applicable work allowance, are subject to the 55% taper and the Universal Credit award is calculated on that basis.

The Universal Credit work allowance is an amount of earnings eligible households can earn before the single taper rate is applied to their earnings and their Universal Credit begins to be reduced. Those councillors with responsibility for a child or qualifying young person, and/or limited capability for work will be eligible for a work allowance.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
13848
Session
2022-23
Subjects
Councillors Incentives Universal credit
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk