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Universal Credit claimants give evidence on lived experience

22 May 2020

The Economic Affairs Committee holds its seventh evidence session on the economics of Universal Credit inquiry. This session focuses on the lived experience of Universal Credit.

Witnesses

Tuesday 26 May, virtual meeting

At 3pm

  • Kirsty Harkins, Universal Credit claimant and volunteer at Sale Moor Community Partnership
  • Angela Charlton, Universal Credit claimant
  • Sarah Holloway, Universal Credit claimant
  • Nick Phillips, Project Coordinator of London Unemployed Strategies and Chair of the Commission on Social Security
  • Mike Tighe, Universal Credit claimant and Member of Southwark's ‘Know your Rights' benefits support group

Likely questions

  • Could you tell us when you started to claim Universal Credit, and why?
  • Did you find the process of claiming Universal Credit easy, or did you have any difficulties?
  • Have you needed any help, either to make your claim or to manage while on Universal Credit? Who has helped you?
  • Have you found the work coaches helpful?
  • How easy, or difficult, do you now find it to manage your money on Universal Credit?
  • How much of a difference to your life has the recent increase in Universal Credit made?
  • How would you compare Universal Credit with the previous system?
  • Is there anything you are doing differently now since being on Universal Credit?
  • Are there any aspects of Universal Credit that you like and that have been helpful to you?

Further information