Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, with reference to paragraph 6.16 of Autumn Budget 2017, how her Department has spent the £8 million committed to further develop the evidence base on in-work progression in universal credit.

The £8m allocated in Autumn Budget 2017 provides funding over four years to build the evidence base on progression. A programme of activity is being developed, including a large scale research project to understand the support needs of future cohorts of UC in-work claimants. We are reflecting on the findings from our Randomised Controlled Trial and other emerging evidence as we develop these plans, as well as engaging with stakeholders, including a range of academics and other external experts.