Universal Credit's design and its effect on housing explored by Lords Committee
13 March 2020
The Economic Affairs Committee holds its fourth evidence session on the economics of Universal Credit inquiry
- Parliament TV: The economics of Universal Credit
- Inquiry: The economics of Universal Credit
- Economic Affairs Committee
Witnesses
Tuesday 17 March in Committee Room 2A, Palace of Westminster
At 3.35pm
- Paul Gray, former Chair of the Social Security Advisory Committee
- Laura Gardiner, Research Director, Resolution Foundation
- Gareth Morgan, Managing Director, Ferret Information Systems
- Tom Lee, Senior Policy Analyst, Child Poverty Action Group
At 4.35pm
- Councillor Victoria Mills, Southwark Council
- Chris Norris, Policy Director, National Residential Landlords Association
- Sue Christoforou, Policy Manager, Homeless Link
- Danny Hardie, Team Leader of Financial Inclusion and Money Advice, Peabody
Likely questions
- Given that employment rates are at record levels and unemployment is at a relatively low rate, do you think the 'work first' approach underlying the design of Universal Credit has reached its limit?
- There are still nearly 3 million people to move across to Universal Credit from legacy benefits. How do you think the DWP's plans for 'managed migration' will work in practice?
- Does Universal Credit's design inevitably entrench debt amongst some claimants?
- The five-week wait has been blamed as the cause of increased levels of rent arrears. How should this be resolved?
- Why do so many private landlords refuse to let to Universal Credit claimants? What steps could be taken to improve confidence amongst landlords?
- What are the main gaps in the support services that Government provides to claimants? How should these services be improved?