Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many people have been subject to (a) benefit deductions and (b) sanctions at the same time in each of the last 12 months.

The information requested is not readily available and to provide it would incur disproportionate cost.

Sanctions are only ever applied if a claimant has failed to undertake their agreed requirements without good reason.

All requirements are set in discussion with the claimant and tailored to their capability and circumstances, making them realistic and achievable.

If a claimant currently has a sanction in place, any outstanding deductions cannot be applied until the sanction has concluded.

We have a well-established system of hardship payments, available as a safeguard if a claimant demonstrates that they cannot meet their immediate and most essential needs, including accommodation, heating, food and hygiene, as a result of their sanction.