Source · Select Committees · Work and Pensions Committee
Recommendation 5
5
Paragraph: 34
There is also research which found evidence of an increased prevalence of psychological distress, following...
Conclusion
There is also research which found evidence of an increased prevalence of psychological distress, following the introduction of Universal Credit, among people affected by the policy. The research was not able to delineate whether a change of benefit system in itself—such as moving to Universal Credit—was a driver of the rise in psychological distress in the sample of people studied. Further research and evaluation would be needed to understand the drivers behind this rise and its clinical impact. In addition to this, there are wider reports of the impact of the wait for a first payment on claimants’ mental wellbeing. Again, the connection between these findings and the wait for a first payment is not yet clear. But the Department ought to seek to understand this evidence.
Paragraph Reference:
34
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
As ministers have updated the Committee previously, the Department reallocated resources to prioritise its response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Department will not be conducting nor commissioning any research. This included the introduction of significant measures to support those who may otherwise go hungry this winter and beyond through a package of support including the £170m Covid Winter Grant Scheme. This fund builds on the £63 million already distributed