10
Accepted in Part
The Government has raised Universal Credit and made it easier to access.
Recommendation
The Government has raised Universal Credit and made it easier to access. However these changes are time-limited for a year. The Government should consider extending the measures increasing the generosity and accessibility of Universal Credit put in place in March 2020. The Government should also conduct a study to examine the adequacy of and eligibility for sick pay, given that poor levels of statutory sick pay will make it harder for workers to isolate when needed. (Paragraph 80) Corporate debt
Government Response Summary
The government states that the £20 increase in Universal Credit will continue until April 2021, partially addressing the call for extended generosity. However, it only references existing enhanced Statutory Sick Pay provisions rather than committing to conducting a study on its adequacy and eligibility.
Government Response
Accepted in Part
Government Response
Accepted in Part
HM Government
Accepted in Part
On your recommendation regarding extending the generosity and accessibility of Universal Credit, the government has also been supporting individuals through enhanced welfare provisions, as noted in your report. The £20 increase in the standard Universal Credit award will continue until April 2021. The government has also put in place a substantial package of support for those told they must self-isolate, including enhanced Statutory Sick Pay and the Test and Trace Support Payment, for those in employment or self-employed on low incomes who are told to self-isolate and who cannot work from home.
Source
Committee
Treasury Committee
Inquiry
Economic impact of coronavirus
Report
Eighth Report: Economic impact of coronavirus: the challenges of recovery
11 Sep 2020
HC 271
Addressee Bodies
HM Treasury
Timeline
Recommendation age
5.9 yrs
Report published
11 Sep 2020