Latest Universal Credit Figures Are an Embarrassment for Tories

The DWP have published their latest figures for the number of people claiming universal credit. The figures show that after 2 years there are now just 46,920 claiming Universal Credit. That is less than 5% of the total number of claimants that Iain Duncan Smith originally promised by April 2014. Or, put another way, the government’s flagship program that IDS had repeatedly said was ‘on time and on budget’ has fallen 95% short of its target during this Parliament. These latest figures are an astonishing embarrassment for the Tories. Download the figures from the DWP website.

Inflation Gauge for Housing Costs Loses 'Official Statistic' Status

A measure of inflation launched to better reflect housing costs will no longer be treated as an official national statistic while it is being improved, the statistics authority has said. The CPIH index was introduced in March 2013 and had been touted as a future price stability benchmark for the Bank of England. The bank currently uses the consumer price index (CPI). The new measure was designed to address the fact that CPI does not include most housing costs faced by people who own their homes, including mortgage payments and maintenance. Last year the UK Statistics Authority upgraded CPIH from an experimental statistic - defined as being in the testing phase and not yet fully developed - to an official national statistic. But it has now said statisticians had found ways to improve CPIH and that the measure will revert to experimental status, suggesting its use as a benchmark for the BoE could be a long way off. Read more on Yahoo News.

Experimental Universal Credit Statistics

The DWP has published a set of experimental Universal Credit pathfinder statistics from April 2013 to 30 Sept 2013. The figures contain the first release of data from the Universal Credit Pathfinder offices on the benefit's starters and caseload to September 30th 2013. These have been developed and released in accordance with the Code of Practice for statistics and its supporting principles. Access the statistics on the DWP website.