Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment he has made of the effect of further advanced payment loans on financial security in cases were the universal credit recipients roll-out has caused financial hardship.

Advances of Universal Credit are advance payments which are then recovered over an agreed period. They are in place to ensure those in need are able to receive financial support and are not reliant on illegal and high-cost lenders. Advances are recovered over a maximum of six months, although exceptionally this period could be deferred by up to three months to prevent hardship. No interest is charged.