Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessments his Department has made of the potential effect of reductions to universal credit on the number of children in (a) relative and (b) absolute child poverty in each year to 2020.

This Government is absolutely committed to delivering a country that works for everyone – not just the privileged few. The Prime Minister has been clear that tackling poverty and disadvantage, and delivering real social reform, will be a priority for this Government. Evidence shows that two of the biggest drivers of child poverty are long-term worklessness and low earnings.

Universal Credit is designed to strengthen incentives for parents to move into and progress in work and evidence shows that under Universal Credit claimants move into work significantly faster and stay in work longer than under the old system. In addition, Universal Credit now provides for 85% of childcare costs giving parents the opportunity to work and earn more, so they can support their families and improve the life chances of their children. We have also announced a 2% reduction in the Universal Credit single taper meaning more support for hardworking families.