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Written question asked by Alex Brewer (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 7 July 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 9 July 2026. It was answered by Stephen Timms (Labour) on Thursday, 16 July 2026 on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.

Universal Credit: Rented Housing

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what estimate he has made of the number of instances where a Managed Payment to Landlord has been requested before a claimant's first Universal Credit payment but the housing element was nevertheless paid directly to the claimant; and what proportion of Managed Payment to Landlord requests are implemented before the claimant's next scheduled Universal Credit payment.

Answer

The Department does not collate numbers or produce statistics for this purpose.

A request for a Managed Payment to a Landlord (MPTL) is considered on a case-by-case basis and is not automatically granted. An MPTL may not be accepted where the claimant does not meet the criteria for an Alternative Payment Arrangement.

Where a MPTL has been requested because of rent arrears, the department contacts the claimant and provides an opportunity to provide any contrary evidence. Claimants are given seven days to respond before a decision is made. Decisions are made using all available evidence.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
16749
Session
2026-27
Subjects
Landlords Payments Universal credit Rented housing
Contains statistics
Yes
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk