Councils and housing associations questioned on the impact of the wait for a first Universal Credit payment
23 June 2020
The Work and Pensions Committee takes evidence on people's ability to meet housing costs and how to address the problems caused by the delay.
- Watch Parliament TV: Universal Credit: the wait for a first payment
- Inquiry: Universal Credit: the wait for a first payment
- Work and Pensions Committee
Witnesses
Wednesday 24 June, virtual meeting
At 9.30am
- Muhammed Butt, Leader of Brent Council, London Councils
- Noel Duke, Neighbourhood Services Manager, Harrogate Council
- Jacqueline Hickmore, Inclusion Team Advisor, Cornwall Housing
- Sheila McKandie, Highland Council
- Adam Smith, Benefits Coordinator, Kent County Council
At 10.30am
- Hugh Owen, Director of Strategy and Public Affairs, Riverside Housing Group
- Jeremy Hewer, Policy Lead, Scottish Federation of Housing Associations
- Laura Courtney, Policy and External Affairs Manager, Community Housing Cymru
- Sue Ramsden, Policy Leader on Welfare Reform, National Housing Federation
The session is part of the Committee's inquiry examining some of the policy options for mitigating the impact of the minimum five week wait faced by people making a UC claim.
The hearing is likely to explore the consequences of the wait for first payment on hardship and rent arrears, the effectiveness of Advance payments and whether there are more effective solutions to help tenants cover costs.
The Committee has previously taken evidence from charities and support groups and academics and think tanks.
Further information
Image: PA