Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what guidance her Department has issued to decision makers on closing claims for universal credit for non-attendance at appointments in relation to the (a) welfare and (b) safeguarding of children whose subsistence income needs are dependent on that claim.

Comprehensive guidance outlining the reasons to consider before closing a Universal Credit claim are available to all staff across the Jobcentre network. Universal Credit guidance is published in the House of Commons library and the Department is committed to refreshing this at regular intervals.