Fourth Report - The Benefits System in Wales
Select Committee
Welsh Affairs Committee
HC 337
17 March 2022
Government response
The Benefits System in Wales: Government response to the Committee’s Fourth Report of Session 2021– 22, and correspondence from the Welsh Government · published 6 Jul 2022
Recommendations & Conclusions
7 results
2
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Para 57
The pandemic demonstrated how resilient the UK social security system can be in the face...
Conclusion
The pandemic demonstrated how resilient the UK social security system can be in the face of significant challenges. Despite the huge surge in demand, Universal Credit continued to function and benefits were paid out to a markedly increased pool of …
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Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the resilience of the social security system during the pandemic. However, the government believes that the pandemic was not the right time to introduce changes to the rate of Statutory Sick Pay and is keeping the system under review.
Wales Office
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3
Recommendation
Acknowledged
Para 75
We were concerned to hear that welfare rights advisors believe that Universal Credit’s explicit consent...
Recommendation
We were concerned to hear that welfare rights advisors believe that Universal Credit’s explicit consent model has impeded their ability to help claimants and has led to some people sharing personal data such as passwords. We would welcome the UK …
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Government Response Summary
The Department for Work and Pensions is committed to continually improving access to Universal Credit. A policy of explicit consent exists to help reduce the risk of fraud. The Department welcomes any input through its ongoing discussions with a broad group of stakeholders.
Wales Office
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7
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Para 83
We welcome the swift changes to the financial support many claimants received during the pandemic,...
Conclusion
We welcome the swift changes to the financial support many claimants received during the pandemic, as well as to the operation of the overall system. We received evidence of the significant difference that the temporary £20 uplift made to those …
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Government Response Summary
The DWP will seek to make it clearer for claimants that Universal Credit does not count money in their account used for business purposes towards their capital.
Wales Office
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8
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Para 84
We acknowledge that the UK Government has difficult choices to make in ensuring that the...
Conclusion
We acknowledge that the UK Government has difficult choices to make in ensuring that the benefits system is financially sustainable in the long-term. We welcome its reduction of the taper rate and increase in the work allowance in the autumn Budget.
Government Response Summary
The Office of the Secretary of State for Wales is committed to improving working relationships across Government to support the people of Wales and will continue to advise and support the DWP on matters impacting Wales, ensuring UK policy is delivered effectively and communicating policy decisions across Wales.
Wales Office
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16
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Para 116
We welcome the extent of joint working between ministers throughout the pandemic, including meetings between...
Conclusion
We welcome the extent of joint working between ministers throughout the pandemic, including meetings between the Secretary of State for Wales and the First Minister and other Welsh Government Ministers, as well as multilateral meetings chaired by various UK Ministers. …
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Government Response Summary
The UK Government will not devolve social security to the Welsh Government, citing the advantages of the current system and the varied attitudes to the idea.
Wales Office
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29
Conclusion
Acknowledged
We have received a range of concerns regarding the limitations of the pilot and there...
Conclusion
We have received a range of concerns regarding the limitations of the pilot and there are also considerable issues concerning how the pilot will affect the benefits of the participants. It is crucial that those considering participating are aware of …
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Government Response Summary
The Department for Work and Pensions and HMRC have advised the Welsh Government how Universal Credit and taxation would be affected by payments under the proposed basic income pilot.
Wales Office
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30
Recommendation
Acknowledged
Para 153
In the interests of the young people considering taking part in the Welsh Government’s Basic...
Recommendation
In the interests of the young people considering taking part in the Welsh Government’s Basic Income pilot, the DWP and the Welsh Government should work together to conduct an impact assessment on the benefits received and the amount of taxes …
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Government Response Summary
The government states DWP and HMRC have advised the Welsh Government on the impact of basic income pilot payments on Universal Credit and taxation, but does not explicitly commit to jointly conducting the requested impact assessment.
Wales Office
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