Source · Select Committees · Work and Pensions Committee
Recommendation 16
16
Deferred
Add 'victims of domestic abuse' category to Universal Credit Additional Support Area.
Recommendation
We heard in evidence that when using the ‘Additional Support Area’ in Universal Credit, DWP officials are able to record support needs under the following eight categories: care leavers; armed forces; ex-offender; homeless or risk of homelessness; limited digital ability or accessibility; difficulties with English; drug and alcohol misuse; and an ‘other’ box. It is our view that the category of ‘victims of domestic abuse’ is a glaring omission from this list. Unfortunately, there will be many people dealing with DWP who fall into this category. And they will have particular vulnerabilities and need specialised support that cannot be covered by the other categories and seem more significant than being put into the ‘other’ box. We recommend that the category of ‘victims of domestic abuse’ be added to the ‘Additional Support Area’ in Universal Credit to ensure that this set of vulnerabilities is being looked out for and to signal to DWP officials that people falling within that category will need the offer of additional support. (Conclusion, Paragraph 62)
Government Response Summary
The government did not commit to adding 'victims of domestic abuse' as a specific category in the Universal Credit 'Additional Support Area'. Instead, the response outlined DWP's ongoing engagement with and support for local and national Safeguarding Adults Boards.
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government
Deferred
DWP will continue to explore further opportunities to strengthen its partnership with the National Network for Safeguarding Adults Board Chairs and enhance the Department’s contribution at both local and national levels. DWP currently has active engagement with local Safeguarding Adults Boards (SABs). The Department’s Advanced Customer Support Senior Leaders (ACSSLs) maintain links with all SABs and currently represent DWP at approximately 80% of these boards. DWP continues to work with the National Network for Safeguarding Adult Board Chairs to increase representation, informed by engagement indicating that Board Chairs place significant value on the Department’s presence at these meetings. The Department fully supports the ambition of achieving consistent and comprehensive representation across all SABs, as part of its commitment to multi-agency working and improving outcomes for vulnerable customers. In addition to the joint Memorandum of Understanding, DWP continues to support the local Safeguarding Adult Boards by: • Providing timely and relevant customer information to support the SAB’s reviews • Explaining the Department’s interactions with a customer • Sharing learning and improvements taken forward as a result of these cases This collaborative approach increases transparency, accountability and continuous improvement. The joint memorandum of understanding is planned to be published as part of the Governments’ commitment to transparency.