Source · Select Committees · Welsh Affairs Committee
Recommendation 1
1
The demographic, economic and geographic challenges we have highlighted set the context for the benefits...
Conclusion
The demographic, economic and geographic challenges we have highlighted set the context for the benefits system in Wales. While it is a reserved competence, that does not mean the environment in which it operates is identical to that elsewhere in Great Britain. While the evidence shows that the key challenges for the benefits system in Wales are broadly similar to those in the other nations and regions of the UK, there are some important demographic differences that mean that some of the challenges facing the benefits system are more prominent in Wales. There are pressures here which underline the need for the UK Government to be conscious of the Welsh context when deciding welfare policy. (Paragraph 42) Lessons from the pandemic for the UK social security system
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
The Department for Work and Pensions is committed to continually improving access to Universal Credit for those most vulnerable in society. As there is a large amount of personal information held within an individual’s Universal Credit account, any data breach has far-reaching consequences for claimants, and it is vital to balance consent against risk. Therefore, a policy of explicit consent exists to help reduce the risk of fraud by ensuring claimants’ data is kept safe from unscrupulous organisations and individuals. Where explicit consent is needed, it can be quickly given in different ways: over the telephone or via the online journal, at any time during a Universal Credit claim. Once consent is given, the Department will work with claimants’ representatives. As of late 2021, the Department commenced an internal information gathering exercise which entails collecting richer data from claimants about what support they need and who may be providing this support. This information is now live on the Universal Credit service, and the Department will soon progress to analysing the data received. The Department welcomes any input through its ongoing discussions with a broad group of stakeholders who represent vulnerable claimants; however, to pause to run a formal consultation exercise at this stage, would delay the work already paused by the pandemic.