Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, with reference to the Answer of 27 April 2017 to Question 71554, which experts on how to deal sensitively with women who have conceived a child as a result of rape he plans to make available to advise officials of his Department on applying the two-child limit policy.

It’s important to note that a claimant will never be questioned about any such incident by a member of DWP staff. Part of the rationale for the third party model is that a claimant who has given birth to a child as a result of rape will, normally apply for an exception through engaging with an approved third party before attending the Jobcentre.

If a work coach were to need expert support, they are trained to be aware of the specialist help available within their area to support vulnerable claimants.