Written question asked by Lee Anderson (Reform UK) on Friday, 29 August 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 2 September 2025. It was answered by Andrew Western (Labour) on Thursday, 11 September 2025 on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.

Universal Credit: Foreign Nationals

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what recent discussions she has had with (a) the Secretary of State for the Home Department and (b) the Chancellor of the Exchequer on removing the current eligibility criteria for foreign nationals to claim Universal Credit.

Answer: The Department is playing an active role in work across Government connected to the Home Office’s recent White Paper ‘Restoring Control Over the Immigration System’. This includes membership in the Labour Market Advisory Group alongside the Migration Advisory Committee, Industrial Strategy Advisory Council and Skills England and devolved equivalents. The White Paper sets out ambitious changes including plans to increase the standard qualifying period for settlement and access to public funds benefits from five to ten years.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 71020
Session: 2024-26
Related items: Restoring Control over the Immigration System
Monday, 12 May 2025
Command papers
House of Commons
House of Lords
Subjects: Eligibility Foreign nationals Universal credit
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk