Universal Credit – Parliamentary Written Answer

Graham Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what role he envisages for local authorities in the administration of universal credit.  

Esther McVey: We recognise that some people will need help with the new demands of universal credit. This could include understanding the new system, help with getting online, and help with managing on a monthly budget and paying rent. In conjunction with local authorities in England, Scotland and Wales, the Department has published the Universal Credit Local Support Services Framework (February 2013). This provides a structure for the delivery of local support services to individuals needing additional help with the new demands of universal credit. Central to the local support services framework is the "Delivery Partnerships Approach" under which DWP and local authority managers will work together to agree upon delivery of services at the local level. On 6 December 2013, the Department published the Universal Credit Local Support Services Framework Update and Trialling Plan. This refocuses the local support services work following announcements setting out revisions to the roll-out of universal credit.