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Written question asked by Jonathan Reynolds (Labour) on Tuesday, 26 October 2021, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 29 October 2021 (named day). A holding answer was provided on Friday, 29 October 2021. A substantive answer was provided by David Rutley (Conservative) on Thursday, 4 November 2021 on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.

Universal Credit

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many universal credit claimants are being deducted the maximum amount of 25 per cent of their standard allowance from their entitlement as a result of an advance or other Government debt.

Answer

For Universal Credit claims with a payment due during May 2021, 506,000 (10% of all claims) had a deduction of 25% of their standard allowance as a result of an Advance or Government debt.

We reduced the normal maximum rate of deductions in Universal Credit from 40% to 30% to 25% of a claimant’s Standard Allowance enabling them to retain more of the award. These changes were implemented from October 2019 to April 2021. These positive measures were put in place to support claimants to manage financial difficulties. Protocols are in place to ensure deductions are manageable and customers can contact DWP Debt Management if they are experiencing financial hardship to discuss a reduction in their rate of repayment, or a temporary suspension, depending on financial circumstances.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
63722
Session
2021-22
Subjects
Debts Deductions Universal credit
Contains statistics
Yes
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk