Universal Credit implementation: Government response to the Work and Pensions Select Committee
On 5 February 2013, the Government published its response to the House of Commons Work and Pensions Select Committee report on Universal Credit implementation.
The central theme of the Work and Pension Select Committee's report is that there is widespread support for the principles of welfare reform, the general direction of policy development, and the aim of strengthening incentives to work and facilitating the move from benefits to work. However there is concern about the impact that the changes will have on claimants with complex needs, such as people with disabilities, homeless people and those that struggle to manage their finances.
The Committee’s report set out detailed recommendations for 6 areas of Universal Credit:
- service delivery
- claims and payments
- Universal Credit entitlement
- calculation of income
- implications of other policy changes
- the implementation programme.
The Government's response sets out its commitment to protect those who are in vulnerable circumstances or who may face challenges in dealing with a new system.
The Government has responded to each of the recommendations in these areas.
