I have recently received a number of e-mails about Universal Credit.
Universal Credit is a major reform that enjoys cross-party support and it will transform the welfare state in Britain. Under the new system, benefit will be withdrawn gradually as claimants start work or increase their earnings, meaning their total income always goes up. Universal Credit in this way will help people move into work and progress within work.
At the heart of Universal Credit is a belief that work should always pay. Figures have shown that people claiming Universal Credit are 13 per cent more likely to be in work than people claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance, earning more money and more willing to take a job. The taper rate has also been reduced since April of this year to help people to progress in work. I welcome this change, which will mean people will keep more of what they earn and will be better rewarded for increasing their hours or pay. Under Universal Credit, support worth up to 85 per cent of childcare costs is now available regardless of hours worked, significantly higher than the support that was available under tax credits. This will give parents more flexibility to work and earn more money.
Rightly for a programme of this scale, the priority continues to be its safe and secure delivery. Many constituents have raised concerns over the waiting periods involved in the transition to Universal Credit. I have been reassured by the words of David Gauke, the Work and Pensions Secretary at the Conservative Party Conference, and am pleased that these concerns have been taken on board. If claimants require an advanced payment, this will be received within five working days and in cases of emergency, this can be fast-tracked to receive the payment on the same day. I am especially pleased that the Government have scrapped the phone line charges for the system.
I understand the concerns raised and am pleased that the Government has heeded these and revised the implementation of the system. There have been problems with the roll-out which are being addressed to ensure those most vulnerable are protected through the transition period. If anyone in Broxtowe is having issues with the receipt of their Universal Credit, please contact my Constituency Office (see contact tab for details) and I’ll be happy to help where I can.
Thank you for contacting me on this important issue.