Monday, 17 September 2012

Universal Credit – Parliamentary Written Answer

Chris Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State if he will make provision in the universal credit system to ensure that people in need of refuge support as a consequence of domestic violence have access to short-term housing support equivalent to that provided under the current housing benefit system.
Steve Webb: The Government is committed to tackling domestic violence and to providing better support for victims. It is our intention that universal credit will not cause a reduction in support levels for victims of domestic violence.
Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State how he plans that eligible service charges will be paid for under universal credit.
Steve Webb: Social rented sector landlords will be responsible for setting out clearly to the tenant those charges which are allowable. The claimant will report this as part of their claim.
Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State whether he has carried out analysis of future universal credit claimants to establish (a) how many households will be affected by the transition to universal credit, (b) how many such claimants are worried about the change to universal credit and (c) how many claimants will be capable of managing universal credit; and if he will place a copy of any such analysis in the Library.
Mr Hoban: The Department estimates that 12 million claims to current benefits and tax credits will be integrated into eight million household claims to universal credit.  We recognise that some claimants may need additional help to budget, particularly during the transitional period. We are working, with the advice sector to ensure that claimants are able to access appropriate budgeting support services to enable them to manage their money successfully.  For a minority of claimants however, an alternative payment arrangement may be required in addition to the above support. This includes making more frequent than monthly payments of universal credit to households, splitting payment between both joint claimants or paying housing costs directly to the landlord.

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