Recommendation 122

We welcome the improvements made to the advance payment system, such as the doubling of the amount of time to repay, and a reduction in the rate at which deductions can be made. We also acknowledge the advance system is in place for people who require money quickly, however, the weight of evidence received suggests that this policy poses 302 Department for Work and Pensions, Universal Credit: Get an advance on your first payment, accessed 14 April 2021 303 Q76 304 Q76 305 The Trussell Trust (WPS0006) 306 Money Advice Moray (WPS0002) 307 Citizens Advice Scotland (WPS0014) 308 Work and Pensions Committee, Third Report of Session 2019–21, Universal Credit: The wait for first payment, HC 204, Para 68 309 Work and Pensions Committee, Third Report of Session 2019–21, Universal Credit: The wait for first payment, HC 204, Para 68 310 Work and Pensions Committee, Third Special Report of Session 2019–21, Universal Credit: The wait for a first payment: Government Response to the Committee’s Third Report, HC1117, Page 4 46 Welfare policy in Scotland more problems than it solves in terms of people addressing poverty in Scotland with claimants having to pay back their advance payment in monthly instalments meaning their Universal Credit payment is less, making paying for essentials much harder.