Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether her Department are taking steps to ensure that Universal Credit claimants receive even weekly payments, including in five week months.

The Department has no plans to change either Universal Credit assessment periods or payment structures. The approach reflects the world of work, where the majority of employees receive wages monthly.  Paying in this manner will encourage claimants to take personal responsibility for their finances and to budget on a monthly basis which could save households money.