Source · Select Committees · Welsh Affairs Committee
Fourth Report - The Benefits System in Wales
Welsh Affairs Committee
HC 337
Published 17 March 2022
Government response
The Benefits System in Wales: Government response to the Committee’s Fourth Report of Session 2021– 22, and correspondence from the Welsh Government · published 6 Jul 2022
Recommendations & Conclusions
6
Recommendation
Accepted
Given the comparatively high proportion of low paid workers in Wales, we were concerned to...
Recommendation
Given the comparatively high proportion of low paid workers in Wales, we were concerned to hear of issues regarding the eligibility criteria for Statutory Sick Pay. While we acknowledge that there may be other support available to unwell workers, the …
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Government Response Summary
The government states it has already improved work incentives in Universal Credit in response to a report, cutting the taper rate and increasing work allowances.
Wales Office
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11
Conclusion
Accepted
Para 87
Without the uplift, benefits for the unemployed are at their lowest real-terms level since the...
Conclusion
Without the uplift, benefits for the unemployed are at their lowest real-terms level since the early 1990s. Had they grown in line with GDP per capita since 1990, they would be £40 a week higher. The future value of benefits …
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Government Response Summary
The DWP is undertaking a national communications campaign to raise awareness of Pension Credit, including promotional activity on social media, search engines, newspapers, leaflets and posters. They also engage regularly with the Welsh Government on Pension Credit take-up activities.
Wales Office
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14
Recommendation
Accepted
Para 96
The UK Government should take forward the recommendations of the In-Work Commissioner and review how...
Recommendation
The UK Government should take forward the recommendations of the In-Work Commissioner and review how the taper rate and work allowances can best support in-work progression.
Government Response Summary
The government will allocate £99m to provide around 2.1m low-paid benefit claimants with support to progress into higher-paid work through work coach support and Progression Champions working with local partners.
Wales Office
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20
Recommendation
Accepted
Para 122
We received evidence regarding a lack of awareness among the wider public of key benefits,...
Recommendation
We received evidence regarding a lack of awareness among the wider public of key benefits, most notably Pension Credit. The UK Government should address this directly through a UK-wide income maximisation campaign and design its messaging so that it not …
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Government Response Summary
The Department for Work and Pensions is undertaking a national communications campaign, launched on 4 April, to raise awareness of Pension Credit and encourage eligible pensioners to claim.
Wales Office
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21
Recommendation
Accepted
Para 123
The DWP and Welsh Government should work together with local authorities to run a take-up...
Recommendation
The DWP and Welsh Government should work together with local authorities to run a take-up campaign on Pension Credit, with messaging designed to both raise awareness but also address any reservations some older people may have about claiming it.
Government Response Summary
The DWP is undertaking a national communications campaign to raise awareness of Pension Credit, including promotional activity on social media, search engines, newspapers, leaflets and posters. They also engage regularly with the Welsh Government on Pension Credit take-up activities.
Wales Office
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25
Conclusion
Accepted
Para 136
39% of Universal Credit claimants are already in work: the issue for them is not...
Conclusion
39% of Universal Credit claimants are already in work: the issue for them is not finding a job but finding a higher paid one or more hours. We welcome the UK Government’s commitment to providing claimants with in-work support and …
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Government Response Summary
The government will allocate £99m to provide around 2.1m low-paid benefit claimants with support to progress into higher-paid work through work coach support and Progression Champions working with local partners.
Wales Office
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26
Conclusion
Accepted
Para 137
We note that the In-Work Commissioner’s report on Supporting People out of Low Pay found...
Conclusion
We note that the In-Work Commissioner’s report on Supporting People out of Low Pay found that most Jobcentre Plus support is tailored to help people get into work: there is less support and training available for those who are already …
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Government Response Summary
The UK Government will allocate £99m to provide around 2.1m low-paid benefit claimants with support to progress into higher-paid work through work coach support, addressing skills gaps, training opportunities, and progression opportunities, supported by Progression Champions in every Jobcentre District working with key partners.
Wales Office
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27
Recommendation
Accepted
Para 138
The UK Government should accept the In-Work Commissioner’s recommendation to provide a credible in-work offer...
Recommendation
The UK Government should accept the In-Work Commissioner’s recommendation to provide a credible in-work offer for all working benefit claimants. The UK Government should outline how it will take this work forward with the Welsh Government and report back to …
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Government Response Summary
The UK Government is committed to helping workers progress into higher pay and announced that £99m would be allocated to provide around 2.1m low—paid benefit claimants with support to progress into higher—paid work. They will provide work coach support, Progression Champions, and work with key partners.
Wales Office
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