Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what estimate he has made of the proportion of people expected to claim universal credit who have never previously used the internet.

Over 90% of new claims are being made on line and all of our Jobcentres have computers available for claimants to access the internet and Wi-Fi.

As noted in the Government’s statement on assisted digital services in December 2013 (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/government-approach-to-assisted-digital) people will continue to be supported in interacting with the government even if they are unable to access services online, and we offer claimants the option to claim Universal Credit via telephone or in person.