Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if he will place in the Library an example of the letter his Department is sending to claimants of universal credit affected by changes to the work allowance.

Since the 8th March, we have been contacting all claimants who are working and reporting earnings, either electronically if they have made a claim via the Universal Credit digital service, or by a letter if they are on the live service.

The notifications claimants receive explain the changes to the work allowance and offer further advice and support.

In addition, from the 11th March a dedicated service line will be in operation to receive any calls from claimants affected by the work allowance changes.

Not all claimants who receive a notification will see a change in their award, but this approach ensures we reach all those who are potentially affected.

Information about changes to the Universal Credit work allowances from April 2016 has been published on gov.uk:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/universal-credit-work-allowances

Copies of the communications claimants receive will be placed in the House Library in due course.

When those affected by the work allowances speak to their work coach and identify a barrier to retaining employment, the work coach has discretion to make an award through the flexible support fund. This might include covering the costs of childcare or travel expenses, for example.

Work Coaches have been reminded of the availability of the Flexible Support Fund for those claimants affected by the changes to the Work Allowances.