Scope of the inquiry
DWP’s preparedness for the scheduled acceleration of the rollout
of full service Universal Credit from October 2017, including
waits for payments, advance payments, impact on and communication
with local authorities and landlords, Alternative Payment
Arrangements, the effects of planned Jobcentre closures and the
proposed flexible arrangements in Scotland.
Call for written
submissions
The Committee invites submissions on the ongoing rollout of the
full Universal Credit service. The previous Work and Pensions
Committee’s work in this area was cut short by the general
election.
Submissions made to the Committee in the previous Parliament
(Universal Credit
update) can be used in this inquiry, and do not need to be
resubmitted. Updates are, however, very welcome.
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?
In June 2017, the Scottish Government published its response to the
consultation on introducing new flexibilities to Universal Credit
claims and payments (PDF 295KB) in Scotland. In light of
this publication, the Committee also seeks submissions on
the following points:
- · What steps are Scottish local
authorities taking to prepare to implement the new flexibilities,
and do they anticipate any difficulty in doing so?
- · What is the anticipated impact of
the new flexibilities on claimant and housing provider
experiences with Universal Credit?
- · Is there a case for introducing the
flexibilities elsewhere in UK?
The deadline for written submissions is Friday 13 October
2017
