Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if her Department will ensure that a range of appointment times are offered to claimants awaiting universal credit assessment appointments.

At the start of their Universal Credit claim, not all claimants will require an initial evidence interview.

If an interview is required, claimants will receive notification to book an interview via their online Universal Credit account at the start of their claim and are encouraged to make contact at the earliest opportunity. The length of the interview will depend upon the evidence to be confirmed. If the scheduled interview is at an inconvenient time, claimants can contact their Work Coach or Case Manager to rearrange.

Jobcentre Team Leaders monitor resource levels as part of their daily planning activities to ensure there are sufficient appointment times available to handle the anticipated volume of interviews.

Where a Work Capability Assessment (WCA) is required claimants will receive notification giving details of the date, time and venue of the assessment. If the timing of the appointment is inconvenient claimants can contact the WCA Provider to rearrange. This could include a change to the date, time or venue of the assessment, or to consider a home assessment where it is appropriate.