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Evidence behind design of Universal Credit explored by Lords Committee

6 March 2020

The Economic Affairs Committee holds its third evidence session on the economics of Universal Credit inquiry. In this session, the Committee speaks to the former Minister and Advisers who oversaw the design of Universal Credit.

Witnesses

Tuesday 10 March in Committee Room 1, Palace of Westminster

At 3.35pm

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

Likely questions

  • What evidence was important in shaping the design of Universal Credit?
  • What factors did you consider when designing the whole month approach to changes of circumstances?
  • On what basis was the decision made to integrate housing benefit into a single payment?
  • To what extent was the design of the single payment feature based on assumptions about a stable ‘nuclear family'?
  • To what extent did you consider people with lower IT literacy in Universal Credit's digital first design?
  • What reforms would you like to see the Government make to Universal Credit?

Further Information