Committee to question Sir Iain Duncan Smith on Universal Credit and the wait for a first payment

Sir Iain Duncan Smith MP will take questions from the Work and Pensions Committee as the inquiry into Universal Credit and the wait for a first payment continues.

As Work and Pensions Secretary between 2010 and 2016, Sir Iain was one of the main architects of the UC system. He will appear alongside Baroness Stroud, his former special adviser and now chief executive of think tank the Legatum Institute.

Purpose of the session

The session will focus on the design of UC and the options for changing how the system operates, including issues around Advances and the possibility of non-repayable grants.

The Committee will also question a panel of technical experts as the Committee explores how the operation of UC might be changed to mitigate the impact of the minimum five week wait for a first payment.

Last week, the Committee questioned local authorities and housing associations and previously took evidence from charities and support groups and academics and think tanks.

Witnesses

Wednesday 1st July

At 9.30am

• Rt Hon Sir Iain Duncan Smith MP, former Secretary of State for Work and Pensions
• Baroness Philippa Stroud, former Special Adviser to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions
• Dr Stephen Brien, former Expert Advisor at the Department for Work and Pensions

At about 10.30am

• Gareth Morgan, CEO, Ferret Information Systems Ltd
• Phil Booth, Coordinator, medConfidential
• Tom Loosemore, Partner, Public Digital

Further information

• About Parliament: Select committees
• Visiting Parliament: Watch committees

Image: PA