Conclusion 2

We are sensitive to the impact of change on a large group of very diverse people. We therefore formulated the conclusions and recommendations in this report against a set of principles. We believe that these should be used to protect claimants, guide the reforms proposed in this report and shape the design of Universal Credit in future. They are derived from the evidence received in this inquiry. Universal Credit must: be grounded on dignity and respect—people from all backgrounds must feel comfortable and supported when interacting with public services. provide claimants with adequate income—and the system must be a safety net for avoiding extreme poverty and hardship. provide security and stability—income must be predictable; reflect the lived experience of claimants—they must be at the heart of its design and involved in devising solutions to problems; be flexible—it must accommodate a diverse range of personal circumstances and provide strong support to the most vulnerable; be fair to all claimants—policy design must be sensitive to its effects on people of different genders, disabilities, ages, black and minority ethnic groups, and those with other protected characteristics; use public money to meet objectives that are achievable—effective policy must be based on strong evidence to ensure that it is not counterproductive; and be understandable—but where necessary, free and intelligible advice must be available to all