Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, on what evidential basis he lowered the Universal Credit Standard Allowance for people aged under 25.
Universal Credit simplifies the rates of benefit for young people. The rates for those under age 25 are lower than those aged 25 and over to reflect the fact that these claimants are more likely to live in someone else’s household and have lower living costs. It also reflects the lower wages that younger workers typically receive. However, it is acknowledged that some claimants under 25 do live independently, which is why Universal Credit includes separate elements to provide support to claimants for these additional costs.