Universal Credit rollout inquiry

Sun,17 September 2017
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The Work and Pensions Committee invites submissions on the ongoing rollout of the full Universal Credit service.

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Deadline for written submissions was Friday, 13 October 2017.

The Committee is particularly interested in receiving updates and new submissions on developments since April 2017 and recommendations for policy change on the following points:

  • What have been the effects of the introduction of full Universal Credit service in areas where it has replaced the live service?
  • How long are people waiting for their Universal Credit claim to be processed, why, and what impact is this having on them?
  • Is the advance payment system appropriate and is there adequate awareness of its availability?
  • How are claimants managing with being paid Universal Credit monthly in arrears? Is the Alternative Payment Arrangements system working effectively?
  • Has Universal Credit improved the accuracy of a) payments and b) registration of claims?
  • What impact is Universal Credit having on rent arrears, what effect is this having on landlords and claimants, and how could the situation be improved? Does Universal Credit provide people in emergency temporary accommodation with the support they need? If not, how could this be improved?
  • What impact is Universal Credit having on the income and costs of local authorities, housing associations, charities and other local organisations? How well is Universal Support working, and how could it been improved?
  • What effect will the scheduled Jobcentre Plus closure and relocation programme have on the operation of Universal Credit?
  • Is the roll-out schedule appropriate?